Kumbh mela is biggest Hindu Festival, Pilgrimage that happens to be every 12 year. It rotates between 4 cities of India- Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik. Every city is associated with holy River and devotees takes bath in holy river to get rid of their sins and follow spirituality.  Also, many Hindu Sadhu, Saints participate in this Kumbh Mela.

For the Year 2025, Kumbh Mela is taking place in Prayagraj which is also celebrated as Maha Kumbh Mela because it is special Kumbh Mela happening after 144 years. Maha Kumbh Mela is happening from Jan 13, 2025 to Feb 26 2025. This year Kumbh mela expected 400 million Visitors. About 15 million people visited Kumbh mela on very first days. This festival has created opportunity for many businesses.

Importance of Kumbha Mela in Hindu beliefs: :

The origin of Kumbh Mela is linked to a Hindu myth called the Samudra Manthan.  In Hindu beliefs Kumbha mela is highly significant pilgrimage, where it is believed as taking dip in sacred reiver on specific auspicious day Cleanses Sins and brings them close to Moksha. The festival includes various rituals, processions, and sadhu (holy men) gatherings, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of Hinduism. Naga Sadhus play me prominent role in Kumbha mela. It is a symbol of Unity and Faith. In Prayagraj 3 rivers confluence: Ganga, Yamuna Saraswati which is believed as Triveni Sangam. Kumbha mela has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The last Maha Kumbha mela was held in 2013, next one will be 2157.

Purna Kumbha Mela: Happens every 12 years.

Arda Kumbha Mela: Happens every 6 years at Haridwar and Prayagraj.

Maha Kumbha Mela: Happens every 144 years at Prayagraj.

Maha Kumbha mela happens to be every 144 years because it coincides with a rare astrological alignment of planets, when Jupitar completes 12 cycles around the sun.

How Maha Kumbh Mela effecting Indian Economy

Maha Kumbha mela has created massive employment opportunity from small vendor to large businesses. and it is being called as Economy Blessing.

• The estimated Budget for Kumbh mela Infrastructure Management is ₹6,382 crore.
• It is expected that Maha Kumbh Mela may boost Indian GDP by 1%.
• Large number of temporary employment is created across various fields(Hotels, transportation etc.)
• Tourism and Hospitality, Retails and consumer goods, Local hand craft business, Transportation, FMCG are the major sectors that are benefitted by Kumbh Mela.
• Devotees buy daily necessities like milk, edible oil, Religious items and expected to be generate around ₹20,000 crore turnover.
• The transportation Industry is expected to generate ₹10,000 crore Revenue.
• Indian Railway is Running 13000 trains including 3000 special services.
• Helicopter services are being offered for for ₹5,000 per person, expected to generate ₹157 crore over 45 days.
• The food Industry is expected to generated ₹20,000 crore Revenue this included beverage, packaged food, meals etc. as estimated by the Confederation of All India Traders.
• Temporary Medical camps are estimated to bring ₹3,000 crore.
• Big brands like ITC, Coca-Cola, Adani Group, Hindustan Unilever, Dabur, Bisleri, Emami, Reliance Consumer Products, Bank of Baroda, and SpiceJet are jumping on the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 and they have secured a branding rights.
• A renowned artist like Shankar Mahadevan, Mohit Chavhan and Kailash Kher are going to perform.

How Karnataka is Contributing for Maha Kumbha Mela.

Karnataka is contributing to kumbha mela in many ways including food, transportation, partnership, etc. Karnatak Milk Federation (KMF) partnered with Chai point to serve team, sweets and beverages at Mela and they have set a goal to Guinness World Record for the most cups of tea sold at a single event. ISKON Bangalore has served fee meals to devotes.

How Uttar Pradesh Government organized and managing Kumbh Mela

Since it is largest religious gathering, it is not easy to handle such even. UP government has created the infrastructure and ensuring the smooth transaction of event. Government is ensuring food safety, security every day. 

Government has set up temporary Bio Toilets and Ghats to take holy Dip. Government has set up food stalls for food availability. Government has appointed police, River policy to ensure security and around 4000 police officers are appointed. Uttar Pradesh Government has set up temporary city covering 4000 hectares for accommodation of pilgrims which can accommodate 50 lakh to 1 Crore Devotees.  About 1850 hectares are is dedicated for parking facility.  State and Central government has launched special trains , buses, aircrafts for the transportation. According to the Union Culture and Tourism Ministry, over 15 lakh foreign tourists are expected to visit the Maha Kumbh during the 45-day event.

The state government has collaborated with photographers, social media influencers, and content creators to document the event.

Challenges in Maha Kumbha Mela

Maha Kumbha mela is facing challenges like health risk, environmental impact, Crowd management, Stampede.

• A stampede occurred at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj in January 2025, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 people.
• Government needs to focus on waste management.
• Weather Related challenges.
• Security Threats: Large public gatherings often attract attention from security threats, and maintaining law and order in such a massive crowd will be difficult. Ensuring safety from potential terrorist threats or disturbances is critical.

Conclusion

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 represents a unique convergence of spirituality, culture, and human unity. It is a celebration of life, faith, and the enduring power of tradition, offering a profound and transformative experience for all who attend. The Kumbh Mela is huge event not only in terms on spirituality but also affecting cultural and commercial significance of India. Ultimately boosting the local businesses. It is also providing opportunity to showcase India it’s spiritual heritage. Security will be a concern in such gatherings but government ensuring top notch security and food safety as well. 

Ms. Akshata Vandal

P0CT24M0151012
MBA 1st Year.

Author of this Article

Ms. Akshata Vandal is a 1st-year MBA student at IEMS MBA College, one of the top management institutes in Hubli. With a keen interest in business, culture, and events of national importance, she aims to explore the intersection of management and heritage, highlighting the broader economic and social impacts of significant cultural gatherings like the Maha Kumbh Mela.