Maha Kumbh Mela Spurs Economic Boom In Prayagraj, Hotel Industry Leads Surge

The Maha Kumbh Mela has boosted business in the city of Prayagraj by two to three times. The hotel industry has seen the most significant boom, with most hotels fully booked for the coming days.

Additionally, there has been a considerable rise in the sales of food items, blankets, woollen clothes, and electronic goods.

Photo Credit: PTI

Officially, the Maha Kumbh commenced on 13 January, but the influx of people into the Kumbh city began increasing after 25 December. Pilgrims and tourists from across the country and the world are arriving in Prayagraj.

With the auspicious baths on Paush Purnima and Makar Sankranti, more than seven crore devotees have taken a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam so far. This has significantly boosted the city's trade and economy, with nearly every sector operating at full capacity.

Harjinder Singh, President of the Prayagraj Hotel and Restaurant Welfare Association, stated that a large number of pilgrims and tourists are booking hotels. The hotel industry has reported profits of 30-40%, with expectations of reaching 50% in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Mahendra Goyal, State President of the Confederation of All India Traders, estimates that during the Maha Kumbh, the hotel and tent city sectors alone could generate business worth ₹2,500-3,000 crore.

Retail and Wholesale Trade Growth Doubles to Triples

Shiv Shankar Singh, General Secretary of the Central Trade Association, mentioned that sales of FMCG products, automobiles, CCTV cameras, cables, and food items have surged. Retail trade alone witnessed a 20-25% increase up to the Makar Sankranti baths. Traders are expecting even higher sales during Mauni Amavasya.

Senior Vice President of the Trade Association, Mohammed Qadir, reported that the trade in food items, grains, puja materials, clothes, blankets, mattresses, electronic goods, and tent fabrics has doubled so far. As the fair progresses, the growth is anticipated to rise further.