New Delhi, February 19 (HS): Confederation of All India Traders (CAT) has estimated business worth Rs 3 lakh crore in Maha Kumbh 2025. During the Maha Kumbh organized from January 13 to February 26 in the pilgrimage city of Prayagraj, about 60 crore devotees are expected to arrive in 45 days, which is estimated to generate huge business through goods and services worth more than Rs 3 lakh crore.

CAT National General Secretary and Delhi's Chandni Chowk MP Praveen Khandelwal told the media that this world's largest human gathering has established that faith also includes economy and the roots of Sanatan economy are very strong in India, which is also a big part of the country's main economy.

Khandelwal said that according to an estimate before the start of Maha Kumbh, there was a possibility of 40 crore people coming to Maha Kumbh and business worth about Rs 2 lakh crore was expected. But due to the unprecedented enthusiasm of people about Maha Kumbh in the whole country, it is expected that by 26 February, about 60 crore people will come to Maha Kumbh, due to which there is a possibility of a big business of more than three lakh crore rupees. This has given a big boost to the economy of Uttar Pradesh and has also created new business opportunities.

Khandelwal said that according to the Uttar Pradesh government, till now more than 53 crore devotees have taken the holy bath and a large number of people continue to reach Maha Kumbh every day.

Khandelwal, while highlighting the economic impact of Maha Kumbh, said that as per estimates, economic activities have been boosted on a large scale in many areas of business, which mainly include hospitality and accommodation, food and beverages, transport and logistics, religious clothing, worship materials and handicrafts, textiles, apparel and other consumer goods, health services and wellness sector, religious donations and other religious events, media, advertising and entertainment, infrastructure development and civil services, telecom, mobile, AI technology, use of CCTV cameras and other technical equipment etc. A large number of people have also got employment due to this.

Khandelwal said that apart from Prayagraj, other cities and villages located within a radius of 150 km have also got extensive business benefits due to Maha Kumbh, which has given a tremendous boost to the local economy. People are also going in large numbers to visit and worship Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Lord Bholenath in Varanasi and other deities in the surrounding cities, which has also boosted local economic activities on a large scale.

Khandelwal said that Maha Kumbh 2025 will prove to be a historic event, which is not only important from religious and spiritual point of view but will also strengthen the national and local economy. It will have a positive impact on India's business and cultural landscape and will set a new economic benchmark for the years to come.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar