The Maha Kumbh 2025 promises not only spiritual rejuvenation for millions but also a significant economic impact on the region, the host city, and the state in which it is held. Estimates suggest that around 40 to 45 crore people will visit this religious event during its 45-day cycle, from 13 January to 26 February 2025.
The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated ₹6,990 crore for Maha Kumbh 2025, targeting local infrastructure development such as tents, logistics, and sanitation. This investment underscores the administration’s commitment to ensuring a seamless experience for millions of devotees while simultaneously fuelling local economic growth.
According to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), the event is expected to generate a turnover of ₹25,000 crore from the mela area. Key contributors include puja items worth ₹5,000 crore, dairy products valued at ₹4,000 crore, flowers accounting for ₹800 crore, and the hospitality sector producing around ₹6,000 crore. These figures illustrate the vital role played by local and small-scale industries in driving economic activity during the Maha Kumbh.
Moreover, broader economic projections indicate an impact exceeding ₹2 lakh crore, according to Uttar Pradesh government. This highlights the event’s potential to energise both regional and national economies.
To accommodate the massive influx of devotees, an extensive network of temporary and permanent accommodation has been developed. This includes 1.6 lakh tents, alongside numerous hotels, guest houses, and dharmshalas. This expansive housing plan not only caters to pilgrims but also creates flourishing opportunities within the hospitality industry.
In India, private consumption drives around 70% of GDP growth, as highlighted by an analytical paper from Axis Bank. India’s consumer market is expanding rapidly and is projected to become the third largest globally by 2030. Massive religious events such as Maha Kumbh 2025, widely regarded as one of the world’s largest gatherings, reflect these consumption trends, as millions of visitors spend on accommodation, travel, and daily personal and religious needs. Collectively, these expenditures boost local and regional economies on an unprecedented scale.
Brand advertising and marketing campaigns, focusing on key attractions like the Amrit Snans, are further expected to inject thousands of crores into promotional activities, primarily through advertising.
Different estimates have offered varying figures for total trade volume, ranging from a base of ₹4 lakh crore to a high of ₹4.5 lakh crore, based on local trade and travel expenses. Detailed calculations further underscore the revenue potential of Maha Kumbh 2025. According to figures provided by Awanish Awasthi, the current adviser to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and a former IAS officer, each devotee, on average, may spend approximately ₹8,000. By applying that average to 40 crore devotees, the total stands at ₹3.2 lakh crore. If footfall reaches the higher estimate, the total trade turnover over the 45 days could rise to ₹3.6 lakh crore.
The actual real expenditure by each devotee may be higher than this when seen in correlation with an NSSO survey done in 2014–15 on overnight travel. Of 5.84 crore overnight journeys identified in the survey, 8.29% were for pilgrimages or religious trips with an average expenditure of ₹2,717 per day. This was the figure obtained 10 years ago. Today, a multi-day stay for Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj may easily cross the ₹10,000 mark. With the 45 crore footfall, it can be business activity worth ₹4.5 lakh crore or USD 52 billion.
The Maha Kumbh 2025 represents a powerful blend of spirituality and economic opportunity. The sheer economic scope of the Maha Kumbh eclipses virtually all other global events.
Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimages
Another prominent large-scale religious event that offers valuable lessons is the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Mandatory for every able-bodied Muslim at least once in their lifetime, Hajj occurs from the 7th to the 12th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. Each year, around 2 million pilgrims participate in this spiritually significant journey.
Complementing Hajj is Umrah, often termed the “minor pilgrimage”, which can be performed year-round, either independently or alongside Hajj. While Umrah is optional, it attracts millions more visitors each year, further boosting Saudi Arabia’s religious tourism sector.
Hajj and Umrah play a crucial role in Saudi Arabia’s economy, generating an estimated USD 12 billion annually, says a Reuters report. According to Statista, the cost per pilgrim ranges from USD 3,000 to USD 10,000, depending on factors such as country of origin and travel arrangements.
In 2019, the number of Hajj pilgrims reached 2.6 million, while Umrah attracted a staggering 19 million participants over the year. Both pilgrimages form part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to diversify its economy under its Vision 2030, reducing reliance on oil revenues through the strategic development of religious tourism.
Paris 2024 Olympics
The Olympic Games, widely regarded as the largest multi-sport event, take place every four years and also serve as a considerable revenue generator. The latest edition, hosted in Paris in 2024, showcased the substantial economic output.
According to final budget figures released in December 2024, overall expenditure closely matched these totals. Paris 2024 generated USD 5.46 billion in revenue, while total organising costs amounted to USD 5.43 billion.
An analysis by Oxford Economics found that the Games delivered an economic benefit of USD 13.06 billion to France. Meanwhile, IOC projections place potential profits at USD 12.2 billion for the Paris 2024 Games, USD 18.3 billion for Los Angeles 2028, and USD 13.4 billion for Brisbane 2032.
The Qatar World Cup 2022
Although Argentina clinched the trophy, both FIFA and Qatar emerged as major victors in terms of revenue during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. FIFA President Gianni Infantino disclosed that the 2019–2022 cycle generated USD 7.6 billion in revenue, surpassing the USD 6.4 billion of the 2015–2018 cycle, while the event was organised with a budget of USD 1.696 billion. Contributing factors to this financial success included broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales.
Markedly, total revenue for the 2022 World Cup reached USD 5.769 billion, exceeding the USD 5.2 billion generated in 2018, says a report by S&P Global Market Intelligence. This revenue surge increased FIFA’s reserves from USD 1.6 billion in 2021 to USD 3.97 billion in 2022.
Qatar itself benefited substantially. Qatar 2022 CEO Nasser Al-Khater reported that the tournament contributed USD 17 billion to the national economy. With the 2022 World Cup’s success, FIFA anticipates an even more profitable future, projecting USD 11 billion in revenue for the 2023–2026 cycle.
From large-scale religious events like the Maha Kumbh 2025 or the Hajj Pilgrimage to global sporting spectacles like the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup, large-scale events serve not only as cultural and religious milestones but also as huge revenue generators. These gatherings stimulate industries ranging from hospitality and tourism to retail and real estate expansions, creating millions of freelance jobs. leaving a lasting positive impact on local, regional, and national economies