Amid build-up, past data indicates Mahakumbh to be a money spinner

The fair will be the hub of a wide range of economic activities and is likely to witness significant revenue inputs

- Kenneth John

MAHAKUMBH NAGAR (PRAYAGRAJ): As the grandeur and scale of the Mahakumbh increases with the Uttar Pradesh government claiming that the religious fair is expected to draw an estimated 40 crore (400 million) pilgrims and visitors, past data and experts' estimates indicate that the mega event will be a big money churner.

On the lines of big-ticket events like elections and multinational sports championships, the Mahakumbh is all set to be a hub of economic activity, creating jobs and generating revenue, according to experts and those who have observed the fair closely in the past.

The mega event will begin on January 13 and conclude on February 26.

The last Mahakumbh held in 2013 generated a total revenue of around Rs 12,000 crore while the Kumbh Mela 2019 churned out overall revenue of Rs 1.2 lakh crore, according a study by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

Economic activities associated with the Kumbh generated employment for over 6 lakh workers in 2019 across various sectors.

This time, estimates of the revenue potential of the Mahakumbh-2025 vary with experts putting the figure between Rs 1.5 lakh crore and Rs 2 lakh crore.

The event has already seen heavy infrastructural investment.

TURNOVER ESTIMATES Just the basic items of daily need required by devotees during Mahakumbh 2025 would be around Rs 17,310 crore or above, as per turnover estimates prepared by the U.P. Chapter of Confederation of All India Traders.

According to president of the UP Chapter of Confederation of All India Traders Mahendra Kumar Goyal, the business volume of puja items alone is expected to be around Rs 2000 crore while the flower trade at the 45-day mela would be an estimated Rs 800 crore.