The Kumbh of Digital Spirituality

As the Kumbh Mela draws to a close this year, everyone is in grip of FOMO—fear of missing out—induced by influencers covering the event.

- ANURADHA GOYAL

As the Kumbh Mela draws to a close this year, everyone is experiencing FOMO (fear of missing out), fueled by influencers covering the event. I, too, participated in a podcast to discuss the spiritual significance of this 12-yearly mela and my experiences from a previous Kumbh. We talked about the use of artificial intelligence and radio-frequency technologies.

Soon, my screens were filled with ads from various apps offering hassle-free trips to Prayagraj and luxurious accommodations; some even promised home delivery of Ganga water from the Sangam if I couldn't make it. This led me to explore the digital landscape of spirituality.

Some investor reports suggest this market is even larger than the food delivery industry, and I agree, having studied pilgrimage sites and pilgrim behavior. This market is diverse, with many elements, most of which are unorganized. Approximately 900 startups are targeting the younger demographic, aiming for a share of the estimated $60 billion market.

Over a decade ago, in my book "The Mouse Charmers," I categorized the digital economy into three sectors: commerce, content, and community. Let's analyze digital spiritual startups based on these three parameters.