Over 45 crore devotees expected at Maha Kumbh, almost double the last time

Visitation at the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj will surpass attendance at major global events, including the Rio Carnival in Brazil and Oktoberfest in Germany's Munich.

The Uttar Pradesh Government, working to ensure a smooth conduct of the world's largest religious gathering, on Monday said more than 45 crore devotees, including around 15 lakh foreign tourists, were expected to attend Maha Kumbh. This is a major uptick since 2019 when 25 crore devotees attended the Kumbh.

UP GDP to grow by 1%

UP GDP is expected to grow by over 1 per cent. Trade in daily essentials is projected at Rs 17,310 crore, with the hotel and travel sectors reaching Rs 2,800 crore. Religious materials and flowers are estimated to generate Rs 2,000 crore and Rs 800 crore, respectively. -- Officials

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Besides, it marks a phenomenal gathering compared to other global gatherings -- 70 lakh people had attended the last Rio Carnival, 25 lakh gathered for the Haj pilgrimage and 72 lakh celebrated Oktoberfest.

The information was shared by top UP government officials at a special briefing organised by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and UP Government for foreign journalists covering the Maha Kumbh.

The officials said the event signalled unity and equality, bringing together people from diverse cultures and traditions, and was projected to deliver an economic boost of up to Rs 2 lakh crore to India’s economy.

"Uttar Pradesh's GDP is expected to grow by over 1 per cent. Trade in daily essentials is projected at Rs 17,310 crore, with the hotel and travel sectors reaching Rs 2,800 crore. Religious materials and flowers are estimated to generate Rs 2,000 crore and Rs 800 crore, respectively," they said a day after a fire at the Maha Kumbh tent city gutted 18 tents with no casualty.

UP's outreach is part of the state government's plans to celebrate and project the Mahakumbh. It was organised jointly by the MEA and the Uttar Pradesh Government and highlighted the spiritual and cultural significance of the Mahakumbh scheduled from January 13 to February 26.

UP officials also said extensive infrastructure had been developed in Prayagraj to ensure a smooth event -- including 14 new flyovers, nine permanent ghats, seven new bus stations, and 12 km of temporary ghats. Additionally, 10,200 sanitation workers and 1,800 Ganga Sevadut (helpers) have been deployed to maintain hygiene and cleanliness.

The officials especially showcased the participation of 13 Akharas -- Hindu religious orders -- which include the Kinnar Akhara and Dashnam Sanyasini Akhara that signal inclusivity and equality. Kinnar Akhara provides a platform for transgender people to express their devotion openly and was established in 2018 under the largest order -- the Juna Akhara and Dashnam Sanyasini Akhara is the women's wing, also under Juna Akhara.  Akharas, a Hindu tradition of warrior ascetics, are a special attraction at the Maha Kumbh. 

From UP's side, the outreach event was attended by Sanjeev Singh, OSD to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath; Awanish Kumar Awasthi, CM's Adviser; Shishir, Director, Information, UP; Mrityunjay Kumar, Media Advisor to the CM. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal was also present.