The Maha Kumbh Mela, hosted in Prayagraj after 12 years, kicked off today with over 5 million devotees taking a holy dip at the sacred Sangam—the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. This globally renowned religious event anticipates a turnout of 400 million pilgrims, surpassing the populations of the US and Russia combined.
Spread across 4,000 hectares, this 45-day-long festival is expected to generate an economic windfall of ₹2 lakh crore for Uttar Pradesh. The state allocated ₹7,000 crore to host this event, which promises to boost GDP by over 1%. Key sectors like food and beverages, religious goods, transportation, and tourism are predicted to rake in ₹60,000 crore collectively.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath termed the Maha Kumbh the “world’s largest temporary city,” designed to host up to 10 million people at any moment. Facilities include 1,50,000 tents, 3,000 kitchens, and 1,45,000 restrooms. Security is ensured by 40,000 police personnel and AI-equipped surveillance cameras.
The Indian Railways has added 100 trains and 3,300 special trips to accommodate the influx of visitors. The event also attracts over 1.5 million international tourists, with luxury tent cities offering Ayurveda, yoga, and cultural experiences.
This spiritual gathering is more than a religious spectacle—it celebrates India’s cultural unity and heritage while significantly contributing to economic growth.