The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Government of Uttar Pradesh briefed foreign journalists on the immense spiritual, cultural, and economic significance of Mahakumbh 2025, which is expected to draw a record-breaking 45 crore devotees, including 15 lakh foreign tourists, according to a press release issued by the Ministry on Tuesday.
The briefing, held at Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan in New Delhi, highlighted Mahakumbh’s status as the world’s largest religious gathering.
Scheduled from January 13 to February 26, Mahakumbh traces its origins to the mythological event of Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), where drops of nectar are believed to have fallen at Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. This sacred event symbolizes spiritual purification and self-realisation.
UP government officials detailed the vast preparations for the Mahakumbh, comparing its expected attendance to other global gatherings such as Rio Carnival, Haj, and Oktoberfest, with Mahakumbh surpassing them all. More than 45 crore attendees, including 15 lakh foreign tourists, are expected—far surpassing the 25 crore devotees who attended the 2019 Kumbh Mela.
The Mahakumbh 2025 is projected to generate an economic boost of up to Rs. 2 lakh crore, significantly impacting Uttar Pradesh’s GDP, which is expected to grow by over 1%. The event will stimulate trade in various sectors, including daily essentials (Rs. 17,310 crore), hotels and travel (Rs. 2,800 crore), religious materials (Rs. 2,000 crore), and flowers (Rs. 800 crore).
Infrastructure in Prayagraj has been extensively upgraded to accommodate the massive influx of devotees. Key developments include 14 new flyovers, 9 permanent ghats, 7 new bus stations, and 12 kilometers of temporary ghats. Security measures are stringent, with 37,000 policemen, 14,000 home guards, and 2,750 AI-based CCTV cameras being deployed to ensure safety.
Healthcare services are well-prepared, with 6,000 beds across 43 hospitals, as well as air ambulances ready for emergencies. To maintain cleanliness, 10,200 sanitation workers and 1,800 Ganga Sevadut volunteers will be stationed throughout the event.
One of the key highlights of Mahakumbh 2025 is the participation of 13 Akharas, including the Kinnar Akhara, Dashnam Sanyasini Akhara, and women’s Akharas. Their inclusion symbolizes gender equality and a progressive approach to religious practices, promoting unity across caste, religion, and cultural diversity.
In addition to its religious importance, Mahakumbh 2025 will serve as a global platform to showcase India’s cultural heritage and economic strength, further solidifying its position as one of the world’s most significant events.