February 26th 2025.
The grand gathering of Mahakumbh Nagar, known as Maha Kumbh, has finally come to an end today with the final 'snan' or holy dip on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri. Spanning over a period of 45 days, this spiritual event saw a turnout of over 65 crore devotees taking a dip in the holy waters of Ganga in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj.
Apart from its spiritual significance, the Maha Kumbh also served as a prime platform for major brands to gain visibility. Additionally, the Uttar Pradesh government utilized this event as a key opportunity to propel the state towards its goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy.
Speaking about the impact of the Maha Kumbh on the state's economy, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, "The world is witnessing the immense potential of Uttar Pradesh, and the Maha Kumbh Mela is a testament to it. This event alone is set to boost the state's economy by over Rs 3 lakh crore."
This edition of Maha Kumbh, held in 2025, has broken all records with a staggering 65 crore devotees in attendance, making it the highest attendance ever recorded. In comparison, the 2019 Ardh Kumbh saw a turnout of around 24 crore people.
The economic impact of Maha Kumbh is estimated to be around Rs 3 lakh crore, according to CM Yogi Adityanath. The Confederation of All India Traders reported that entrepreneurs from various industries identified business opportunities worth Rs 2 lakh crore during the event. Many major players in the FMCG, tech start-ups, and fintech sectors also capitalized on the massive gathering to expand their market reach.
Looking back at the revenue growth from previous Kumbh Melas, the government earned Rs 12,000 crore against an expenditure of Rs 1,017 crore in 2013. By 2019, the revenue had surged to Rs 1.2 lakh crore, with expenses increasing to Rs 2,112 crore. For Maha Kumbh 2025, the government allocated over Rs 7,500 crore, anticipating a return of Rs 2 lakh crore, solidifying its status as one of the most economically significant religious events in history.
What makes Maha Kumbh 2025 truly unique is that it occurs once every 144 years, marked by a rare planetary alignment. This makes it the most sacred among all Kumbh gatherings, surpassing the Kumbh Mela, Ardh Kumbh, and Purna Kumbh. Unlike the regular Kumbh Mela, which is held every 12 years at Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, or Nashik, Maha Kumbh is considered a once-in-a-lifetime event. In 2025, Prayagraj hosted this historic congregation, drawing millions of pilgrims from around the world.
However, the authenticity of the 144-year claim has been questioned by some, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, the 46th Shankaracharya of the Jyotish Peeth in Uttarakhand.
The controversy surrounding Maha Kumbh 2025 started when West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee referred to it as "Mrityu Kumbh," citing stampedes at Prayagraj and New Delhi railway stations that resulted in casualties. She questioned the lack of proper planning and recovery efforts, leading to the loss of lives. She also raised doubts about the claim that Maha Kumbh occurs once every 144 years, citing other annual religious events like Gangasagar and the replacement of the deity at Puri temple every 12 years.
Joining in on the debate, Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati criticized the event's management, alleging that despite knowing the massive crowd that would gather, no proper planning was done. He also questioned the spread of false propaganda about the 144-year cycle and the inadequate crowd management and hospitality measures. According to him, even when people died, efforts were made to hide it, which is a serious crime.
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari slammed Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of making "misleading statements" to undermine Hindu religious traditions. He pointed out that historical records and astrological and astronomical science validate the claim of a 144-year cycle. He also called out her statements as politically motivated and aimed at belittling the holy traditions of Sanatana Dharma.
While Maha Kumbh 2025 has witnessed remarkable spiritual, economic, and cultural significance, debates over its historical authenticity and management continue to dominate discussions. As the event comes to an end, it will be remembered for its grandeur and the controversies that surrounded it.
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