The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated ₹6,990 crore for the event, funding 549 projects across infrastructure, sanitation, and essential services. The projected revenue from the Mela stands at ₹25,000 crore, contributing to a broader economic impact.
Compared to the 2019 Kumbh Mela, which generated ₹1.2 lakh crore, this year’s event is expected to grow substantially, further reinforcing its status as an economic powerhouse alongside its spiritual and cultural significance.
Safety & Security Measures
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 will witness an extensive security framework involving government and private agencies to ensure the safety of millions of pilgrims. Over 20,000 police personnel, CCTV surveillance, and AI-powered monitoring systems will be deployed to manage crowd control and prevent incidents. Drones will provide real-time aerial surveillance, while emergency response teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and paramedics, will be stationed across the event grounds. Additionally, medical aid stations and mobile clinics will be set up to provide immediate healthcare assistance, ensuring a safe and seamless pilgrimage experience.
Environmental & Sustainability Initiatives
Several eco-friendly measures have been implemented to maintain the sanctity of the holy rivers and reduce environmental impact. The use of biodegradable cutlery, plastic-free zones, and extensive waste segregation units will help manage waste efficiently. Solar-powered lights and eco-friendly accommodations, such as sustainable tent cities, will minimize the event’s carbon footprint. Major brands and NGOs are contributing through sanitation drives, water purification initiatives, and public awareness campaigns, ensuring that the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 aligns with sustainable development goals while preserving its spiritual and cultural significance.
Infrastructure and Hospitality Surge
Spread across 4,000 acres along the banks of the Ganga, the Mela grounds will offer a diverse range of accommodations to host the millions of pilgrims attending the event. These accommodations will vary from simple, budget-friendly tents to high-end luxury stays, catering to different preferences and budgets.
To accommodate the influx of visitors, over 1.6 lakh tents will be set up, ensuring adequate lodging options for pilgrims. Among these, approximately 2,200 luxury tents will be available for those seeking a more comfortable and premium experience. These high-end tents, priced between ₹18,000 and ₹20,000 per night, will be equipped with modern amenities such as private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and dedicated butler services, providing a hotel-like experience amidst the spiritual gathering.
For the most discerning guests, the Sangam Nivas Prayagraj will offer the most exclusive and premium accommodations. These top-tier stays are priced at an impressive ₹1 lakh per night for two guests, providing unparalleled luxury and comfort during the Mela.
This exclusive luxury accommodation features en-suite bathrooms, premium services, and breathtaking views of the Ganga, offering an unmatched experience for visitors. Given the high demand, especially on auspicious bathing days, all 44 super-luxury tents at Sangam Nivas have already been fully booked, reflecting the immense popularity of these high-end stays.
The hospitality and accommodation sectors are set to witness a significant economic boost, with an estimated revenue generation of over ₹6,000 crore. Additionally, other key sectors are also poised for substantial earnings—puja-related items alone are expected to contribute ₹5,000 crore, while dairy products will generate around ₹4,000 crore. The floral industry, which plays a crucial role in religious offerings and decorations, is projected to add another ₹800 crore to the overall economic impact of the Mela.
Food and Beverage Industry: A Major Contributor
The food industry is set to thrive at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, with major global brands like Coca-Cola, Starbucks, and Domino’s collaborating with local vendors to cater to the enormous influx of pilgrims and visitors. This strategic partnership ensures a diverse culinary experience, blending international fast food with traditional Indian delicacies.
Entrepreneurs are making significant investments to capitalize on the event's massive footfall. Among them, the Thakkar brothers of RR Hospitality Pvt Ltd have invested ₹12-13 crore to establish multiple food outlets across the Mela grounds. These ventures are projected to generate a staggering turnover of ₹100-200 crore, highlighting the vast business opportunities within the event.
To accommodate the diverse tastes of attendees, food courts will offer a wide range of options, from authentic regional dishes to globally recognized fast food. The competition among businesses to secure prime locations has been intense, with bidding for stall spaces reaching into the crores. The immense commercial potential of the Mela is evident in the fact that one of the Thakkar brothers’ food outlets near the highly sought-after Sangam area was secured with a ₹1.23 crore bid, showcasing the high stakes and lucrative nature of the event’s food and beverage sector.
The Role of Small Businesses
Local businesses and small vendors are poised to benefit immensely from the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. According to Professor Badri Narayan, Director of the Govind Ballabh Pant Social Science Institute, the event creates temporary livelihoods for a wide range of small-scale entrepreneurs. From rickshaw pullers and flower sellers to boat operators and roadside dhabas, countless individuals find economic opportunities in serving the massive influx of pilgrims and tourists.
The Mela’s pop-up economy acts as a catalyst for thousands of small vendors, offering them a platform to generate substantial earnings within a short span. With millions of visitors expected, the demand for essential goods and services surges, fueling business across multiple sectors.
The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) estimates that the event will drive a staggering ₹25,000 crore turnover. This economic boom is primarily attributed to high-demand sectors such as religious items, dairy products, and flowers, all of which play a crucial role in the rituals and daily needs of attendees. The Mela’s vast commercial landscape reinforces its significance not just as a spiritual gathering but also as a major economic powerhouse supporting businesses of all sizes.
Tourism and Transportation Surge
The tourism and transportation sectors are set to experience a significant surge in activity during the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, given the sheer scale of the event. To facilitate the movement of millions of pilgrims, Indian Railways has announced the operation of 13,000 special trains over the 50-day period. This extensive railway network underscores the level of logistical preparation required to manage the unprecedented influx of visitors.
In the aviation sector, Prayagraj Airport is gearing up for increased traffic, with 117 weekly departures and new flight connections to 23 cities. Leading airlines, including IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Alliance Air, have expanded their routes specifically to accommodate the surge in travelers attending the Mela.
On the ground, large-scale transportation arrangements have been put in place to ensure smooth mobility for attendees. Around 7,000 rural buses and 350 shuttle buses will operate across the state, ferrying pilgrims from various regions to the Mela grounds. These comprehensive measures highlight the critical role of efficient transport and crowd management in handling one of the world's largest gatherings, ensuring a seamless experience for visitors while maintaining order and accessibility.
Digital and Technological Integration
To modernize and streamline commerce at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, over 7,000 vendors have been officially registered to sell their goods at the event. Of these, 2,000 vendors have undergone specialized training in digital payments, ensuring seamless, cashless transactions. This initiative is backed by the growing availability of mobile payment solutions, which aim to make transactions faster, more secure, and more convenient for both vendors and visitors.
Beyond its religious significance, the Mela is evolving into a multifaceted tourism experience. Infrastructure enhancements include the installation of floating jetties, the introduction of water sports activities, and curated temple tourism experiences. These additions not only enrich the pilgrimage but also offer visitors a more diverse and engaging experience.
By integrating these modern attractions, the event is expected to improve tourism retention, encouraging visitors to extend their stay and explore more of the region. This, in turn, will drive additional revenue for local businesses, reinforcing the Mela’s role as both a spiritual and economic powerhouse.
Corporate Engagement and Marketing Goldmine
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 presents an unprecedented marketing platform for both global and domestic brands, given the sheer scale of its audience. With millions of pilgrims and visitors gathering over the 50-day event, companies see this as a unique opportunity to engage directly with consumers and enhance brand visibility.
Leading brands such as Dettol, ITC, and Dabur have already launched large-scale marketing campaigns tailored to this vast and diverse audience. These campaigns include on-ground activations, product sampling, and promotional initiatives designed to create strong brand recall among attendees.
The Mela’s massive footfall offers businesses a rare chance to interact with consumers at a personal level, fostering trust and loyalty. From hygiene awareness drives to food and wellness promotions, brands are leveraging this spiritual and cultural congregation to expand their reach and strengthen their presence in the Indian market.
Dabur’s Daant Snan’ Zone:
Dabur has launched a unique initiative at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 with its ‘Daant Snan’ zones, designed to promote oral hygiene among the millions of devotees attending the event. These zones, strategically placed across the Mela grounds, offer pilgrims free access to dental care facilities, along with samples of Dabur’s oral care products. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of oral health during the spiritual journey, reinforcing Dabur's commitment to public health.
In addition to the oral hygiene zones, Dabur is also ensuring visibility for other products, such as Hajmola, through strategically located stalls at popular dhabas and eateries. This targeted approach allows the brand to engage with pilgrims at key points across Mela, ensuring its products are top of mind for attendees while enhancing overall brand recognition during the event.
ITC Bingo!'s 'Bhaukaal Lok': A Cultural Extravaganza
ITC's popular snack brand, Bingo! The Media has launched an exciting experiential campaign called 'Bhaukaal Lok' at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, aimed at celebrating the vibrant culture of Uttar Pradesh. This interactive initiative features engaging zones designed to immerse visitors in the region's lively atmosphere.
One of the highlights is the 'UP Wala Jalwa' reel-making booth, where attendees can create short videos set to regional music, using props that reflect the local culture. This fun and creative activity not only promotes the brand but also offers visitors a memorable experience that captures the essence of Uttar Pradesh.
Another standout feature is the 'BYOB (Bring Your Own Bingo) Chaat Zone,' which offers a fusion of local flavors with Bingo! snacks. Here, visitors can enjoy unique chaat dishes that creatively blend traditional regional ingredients with popular snacks, delivering a fresh and exciting culinary experience that highlights both local tastes and the brand's versatility.
Sanitation and Hygiene campaign by Dettol
Dettol, through its flagship campaign *Dettol Banega Swasth India* (DBSI), has rolled out a comprehensive initiative to promote health and hygiene at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj. As one of the leading brands in hygiene and wellness, Dettol is utilizing the Mela as a platform to raise awareness about cleanliness, sanitation, and the importance of personal hygiene, especially in such a large gathering.
Dettol’s *Banega Swasth India* (DBSI) campaign at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is focused on enhancing health and hygiene practices among pilgrims. The initiative includes setting up handwashing stations at key locations throughout the Mela grounds, where attendees can easily clean their hands, promoting the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of diseases. Additionally, free samples of Dettol products are being distributed to encourage their use, along with on-the-ground hygiene education efforts aimed at informing visitors about the best practices for maintaining cleanliness during the event.
These efforts ensure that pilgrims are not only aware of hygiene but also have access to the necessary tools, such as hand sanitizers and soaps, to keep themselves healthy. This initiative directly contributes to the overall safety and well-being of the attendees, reducing the risk of health-related issues during the Mela. By aligning with the values of health and wellness, Dettol strengthens its brand presence while making a positive impact on public health during one of the world's largest religious gatherings.
Key Components of Dettol’s Banega Swasth India (DBSI) Campaign at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025:
- Soap Distribution: In partnership with the Akhadas, Dettol’s DBSI campaign is distributing millions of soaps at food-serving areas throughout the Mela grounds. This initiative encourages devotees to wash their hands before and after meals, promoting basic hygiene practices to prevent illness.
- Support for Sanitation Workers: The campaign is providing training programs and making soaps readily available to nearly 15,000 sanitation workers. This ensures that those responsible for maintaining cleanliness are well-equipped and have the necessary resources to keep the Mela environment hygienic.
- Health and Hygiene Volunteers: DBSI has deployed dedicated volunteers across all 25 sectors of the Mela to assist pilgrims. These volunteers provide on-the-ground support, offering guidance and reminders about proper hygiene practices, and ensuring that cleanliness is maintained throughout the event.
- Engaging Performances: To further raise awareness about the importance of handwashing and hygiene, the campaign is organizing traditional Nukkad Nataks (street plays). These performances, which are a popular form of communication in India, deliver powerful messages about maintaining good health and hygiene, engaging pilgrims in an informative yet entertaining way.
Together, these components form a comprehensive approach to promoting health and hygiene at the Mela, ensuring a safer and cleaner environment for the millions of attendees.
Indian Bank's CSR Initiative: Lost and Found Centers
Indian Bank is demonstrating a strong commitment to both corporate social responsibility and brand engagement by setting up Lost and Found Centers throughout the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 premises. These centers serve a crucial function in assisting pilgrims who have lost their companions or belongings, providing a structured and efficient way to reunite individuals amidst the massive crowds.
Given the scale of the Mela, where millions of people converge, the risk of separation is high. Indian Bank’s initiative ensures that attendees have access to a reliable support system, reducing stress and enhancing their overall experience. Beyond its practical benefits, this service also reinforces the bank’s image as a socially responsible institution that prioritizes public welfare.
By addressing an essential need with a well-organized approach, Indian Bank not only contributes to the safety and well-being of pilgrims but also strengthens its connection with the community. This initiative underscores the bank’s role as a trusted and compassionate entity, making a meaningful impact while subtly increasing brand visibility.
Eveready's Initiatives Illuminate and Secure Maha Kumbh Mela 2025
Eveready Industries India Ltd. has taken proactive steps to enhance safety and illumination at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, reinforcing its commitment to public welfare and security. Recognizing the challenges of managing a massive congregation, Eveready has provided 5,000 high-powered Siren Torches to the Maha Kumbh Police. These torches not only improve visibility for law enforcement personnel but also serve as an essential tool for crowd control and emergency response.
Additionally, the company has installed 13,000 advanced LED lights across the Mela grounds, ensuring well-lit pathways, gathering areas, and key checkpoints. This large-scale illumination effort significantly enhances nighttime safety, reducing the risk of accidents and enabling smooth movement for millions of devotees.
By contributing to both security and infrastructure, Eveready is playing a crucial role in the seamless execution of the event. This initiative not only underscores the brand’s dedication to innovation and public service but also strengthens its presence as a trusted name in lighting and safety solutions.
Innovative Brand Activations: Beyond Traditional Advertising
Brands are strategically leveraging the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 as a powerful platform for innovative and immersive marketing campaigns, moving beyond conventional hoardings to directly engage with the massive audience. These creative strategies not only maximize visibility but also enhance the consumer experience in meaningful ways:
Vritti Mindwave Media’s LED Vans
- Vritti Mindwave Media has deployed 25 LED vans across the Kumbh site, offering an effective mobile advertising solution tailored to reach millions of attendees.
- These vans broadcast 10-second ad slots that run 216 times per day throughout the 45-day event, ensuring repeated exposure and high engagement.
- The campaign’s success is evident, with ad inventory nearly sold out, showcasing the strong demand for this high-impact advertising medium.
ITC’s Mangaldeep Agarbatti – Immersive Spiritual Experiences
- ITC’s Mangaldeep Agarbatti is engaging devotees with an immersive brand experience, distributing its ‘Jalbatti’ products while organizing a grand ‘Maha Hawan’ featuring its signature Sambrani cups.
- The brand is also integrating augmented reality (AR), bringing the Kumbh experience into people's homes. Through AR, users can virtually participate in sacred rituals such as the ‘Shahi Snan’ (royal bath) and ‘Aarti’, expanding the brand’s reach beyond physical attendees.
Dabur’s Branded Changing Rooms – A Thoughtful Consumer Initiative
- Recognizing the needs of female pilgrims, Dabur has set up branded changing rooms for women across the Mela grounds, providing privacy, convenience, and a safe space for attendees.
- This initiative goes beyond branding, reinforcing Dabur’s commitment to consumer well-being while ensuring that female pilgrims have a comfortable and dignified experience during the event.
Through these innovative approaches, brands are successfully integrating their marketing strategies with essential services, ensuring that their presence at the Maha Kumbh Mela is impactful, meaningful, and consumer-focused.
Influencer Collaborations: Amplifying Brand Messaging
Recognizing the power of digital influence, companies are collaborating with regional and national influencers to amplify their brand presence:
- Amazon: The e-commerce giant has engaged influencers to share experiences of its box beds placed in Prayagraj, highlighting comfort and convenience for devotees.
- ITC Bingo!: Collaborating with regional Instagram influencers, Bingo! is creating content that resonates with audiences in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, effectively blending the brand with local culture.
- Coca-Cola: Launching 'Maha Kumbh special edition packs' and setting up hydration carts, Coca-Cola is working with influencers to share these initiatives, enhancing brand engagement during the event.
These collaborations not only boost brand visibility but also foster authentic connections with the diverse audience attending the Maha Kumbh Mela.
Job Creation and Employment Opportunities
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 serves as a powerful economic catalyst, generating both temporary and long-term employment opportunities across multiple sectors. The massive influx of pilgrims and tourists fuels job creation in areas such as food services, sanitation, security, infrastructure, logistics, and retail, providing livelihoods to thousands of individuals.
A significant boost is also seen in local businesses and hospitality, particularly with the rise of homestay accommodations. The Prayagraj region has witnessed a surge in homestays, with 100 new registrations this year, a remarkable increase from just 15 in the previous year. This growing trend reflects the increasing demand for alternative lodging options and the expanding role of community-driven tourism.
Beyond the immediate event grounds, the economic impact of the Mela extends to transportation, construction, and trade, fostering sustained regional development. The increased footfall drives long-term benefits for small-scale entrepreneurs, artisans, and service providers, contributing to job creation, skill development, and economic upliftment in the region.
Employment Generation at Maha Kumbh Mela 2025
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is not only a spiritual and cultural event but also a massive driver of employment generation across various sectors. With millions of devotees and tourists expected to attend, the event creates both temporary and long-term job opportunities, stimulating the local and national economy.
Key Areas of Employment Growth:
- Hospitality & Tourism: Hotels, homestays, and temporary accommodations see a surge in demand, creating jobs for local hosts, housekeeping staff, and service providers.
- Food & Beverage Industry: Street vendors, restaurants, and large food chains employ thousands to cater to the influx of visitors.
- Retail & Religious Goods: Shops selling puja samagri (religious items), souvenirs, and local crafts thrive, generating jobs for artisans and vendors.
- Infrastructure & Logistics: Massive investments in roads, sanitation, and temporary structures create employment for construction workers, electricians, and engineers.
- Transportation Services: Indian Railways, bus operators, and local transport providers recruit additional staff to manage increased passenger loads.
- Sanitation & Security: Cleaning crews and law enforcement teams expand to maintain hygiene and safety across the sprawling Mela grounds.
Corpzo Ventures Private Limited: Supporting Business Registration & Incorporation
With such extensive economic activity, Corpzo Ventures Private Limited plays a vital role in helping businesses legally establish and operate at the Maha Kumbh Mela. As a leader in business registration and compliance services, Corpzo ensures that entrepreneurs and corporations can quickly and seamlessly set up operations.
How Corpzo Supports Businesses at Maha Kumbh Mela:
- Business Registration & Compliance for Mela Entrepreneurs
- Many small vendors, food stalls, and service providers require legal compliance (FSSAI, GST, trade licenses, etc.).
- Corpzo can help with hassle-free registration for businesses wanting to operate legally at the Mela.
- Corporate & SME Advisor
- Companies investing in stalls, luxury accommodations, or food outlets need corporate structuring.
- Corpzo can assist with partnerships, contract drafting, and investment structuring for businesses looking to capitalize on the event.
- MSME and Startup Support
- Many temporary businesses pop up during the Mela, such as tent providers, tour guides, and transport services.
- Corpzo can guide MSMEs in securing legal protection, licenses, and financial structuring to sustain their business even after the Mela.
4. International Business Facilitation
- Foreign businesses looking to enter the Indian market during the Kumbh Mela (hospitality, tourism, logistics) can get assistance in setting up through Corpzo.
- ESG & Compliance for Corporates Participating in Kumbh Mela
- Corpzo can offer guidance on CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) activities for businesses contributing to sanitation, health, or religious services.
- Compliance for brands running marketing campaigns, ensuring ethical and legal adherence.
With Corpzo Ventures’ expertise, businesses at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 can operate legally, efficiently, and profitably, contributing to the broader economic impact of this grand event.
Conclusion: A Cultural and Economic Event
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 exemplifies the seamless integration of cultural heritage and economic vitality, transforming a deeply spiritual event into a powerful economic engine. With projected direct revenue of ₹25,000 crore and an estimated broader economic impact of up to ₹3 lakh crore, the event highlights how large-scale cultural gatherings can drive substantial financial growth and business opportunities.
For businesses at both local and national levels, the Mela offers an unparalleled platform to engage with millions of attendees. Small vendors, artisans, and entrepreneurs benefit from the surge in visitors, while industries in infrastructure, hospitality, transportation, and retail play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth execution of the event.
Beyond immediate financial gains, the Maha Kumbh Mela fosters long-term economic development, strengthening local economies and positioning Prayagraj as a hub for religious tourism and commercial activity. The event serves as a global model of how cultural traditions, when well-organized and supported by robust infrastructure, can generate widespread socio-economic benefits while preserving and celebrating heritage.
