Prayagraj’s Mahakumbh Brings Significant Spiritual and Economic Growth

Prayagraj’s ongoing Mahakumbh is not only a spiritual event but also an economic boon for the city. The influx of millions of pilgrims and tourists has led to a surge in business across various sectors, including hospitality, food, clothing, electronics, and more, with sales increasing by 30-40%.

Retail and wholesale businesses are seeing remarkable growth, with sales multiplying two to three times. The Uttar Pradesh chapter of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) estimates that essential items for the event will generate a turnover exceeding Rs 17,310 crore.

According to Mahendra Kumar Goyal, President of the UP CAIT, sales of puja items are expected to reach Rs 2,000 crore, while the flower trade during the 45-day event is estimated to be worth Rs 800 crore. Groceries like wheat flour, sugar, tea, and spices are projected to generate Rs 4,000 crore, and edible oils another Rs 1,000 crore. Vegetables will contribute Rs 2,000 crore, while household goods such as beds, mattresses, and bedsheets will account for Rs 500 crore. Dairy products, heaters, firewood, and plastic jerrycans for Ganga Jal are projected to generate Rs 4,000 crore, Rs 50 crore, Rs 50 crore, and Rs 60 crore respectively. The hospitality sector is expected to contribute Rs 2,500 crore, while travel services and boatmen services will generate Rs 300 crore and Rs 50 crore respectively.

Shiv Shankar Singh, General Secretary of the District Business Association in Prayagraj, reported a 20-25% growth in retail business up to Makar Sankranti. Traders expect further growth during the Mauni Amavasya, with increased sales of food, FMCG products, automobiles, and electronics. Kadir, District President of the Business Board, noted a doubling of sales for items such as food, grains, puja materials, clothes, blankets, and tents.

Dry fruits, a key ingredient in prasad, sweets, and offerings, have seen high demand. Wholesaler Abhishek Mittal revealed that 250 tonnes of dry fruits are expected to be consumed during the Mahakumbh, with 120 tonnes already arriving in early January. Special storage facilities have been set up to maintain the freshness of the dry fruits, which are sourced from across India and abroad.