The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, has not only been a monumental spiritual gathering but also a significant economic event, impacting various sectors and generating substantial revenue. Travel and hospitality businesses have played a pivotal role in facilitating the influx of millions of pilgrims and tourists, thereby boosting their profits. The Maha Kumbh 2025 has proven to be a landmark event not only for spiritual seekers but also for businesses across India. The combination of seamless travel experiences, well-organized packages, and increased local sales helped various companies book profits while ensuring that the large number of tourists could access everything they needed—comfortably and efficiently.
Economic Impact on the Travel and Hospitality Sector
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 was projected to generate approximately ₹2,800 crore for the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. This substantial revenue was attributed to the increased demand for transportation, accommodations, and related services during the event. Tour operators have capitalized on the surge in religious tourism by offering specialized packages, including transportation, guided tours, and accommodations. With millions of domestic and international tourists, tour operators were set to earn an estimated ₹4,000 crore by catering to the needs of these visitors.
Talking about the massiveness of the Mahakumbh festival and the business opportunity, Gaurav Aggarwal, Founder and CEO, Savaari Car Rentals remarked “The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is not just a spiritual gathering; it is a monumental driver of travel and tourism in India. With an estimated 42 million pilgrims expected, we’ve seen a 21.4% rise in spiritual tourism this year. This surge has directly impacted travel demand, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, with offbeat routes to Prayagraj—such as from Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Lucknow—witnessing a 35% spike in bookings compared to previous years.“
Aggarwal added “At Savaari Car Rentals, we are committed to making this massive movement seamless by expanding our fleet, adding verified chauffeurs, and enhancing on-ground support. We have strengthened connectivity across key pilgrimage routes and scaled up operations to cater to the growing demand for safe, reliable, and hassle-free travel. By ensuring last-mile connectivity even on lesser-known routes, we are playing a pivotal role in making Maha Kumbh 2025 a resounding success for both pilgrims and India’s tourism sector.“
The aviation sector has experienced a significant uptick in demand, with flight bookings to Prayagraj increasing by 162% year-on-year. To accommodate this surge, airlines introduced additional flights and special services, thereby enhancing their revenue streams.
The hospitality industry has seen a substantial increase in bookings, with hotels and guesthouses reporting higher occupancy rates. The event has transformed Prayagraj into a global cultural and economic hub, attracting both domestic and international visitors. ITC’s FMCG brands, Bingo! and Mangaldeep, have launched experiential initiatives at Maha Kumbh. Bingo! engages attendees with reels on local songs and fusion dishes blending UP’s signature flavours with Bingo! Tedhe Medhe. Meanwhile, Mangaldeep aligns with the festival’s devotional spirit, participating in havans and evening bhajans. According to ITC spokesperson, “This once-a-12-year festival is a prime moment for ITC’s brands to connect with millions, blending tradition, culture, and meaningful consumer interactions.”
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 has been a catalyst for economic growth, with various companies and sectors leveraging the event to enhance their services and profitability. The collaborative efforts of the travel, hospitality, and retail industries have not only facilitated the smooth experience of millions of visitors but also contributed significantly to the economic landscape of India. As the Maha Kumbh concludes, the economic ripple effects are likely to be felt for a long time in the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors.
