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Mahakumbh 2025 is proving to be much more than a religious gathering—it is a defining event that strengthens India’s cultural identity, boosts economic growth, and sets new benchmarks for global spiritual tourism
A woman developed a severe lung infection following a holy dip at Kumbh in Prayagraj. (Image: PTI)
Mahakumbh 2025 is shaping up to be a defining milestone for spiritual tourism, drawing millions of devotees and reaffirming India’s place as the global epicenter of faith-based travel. With over 450 million devotees expected by the second week of February, it is not just a religious gathering but a powerful economic and cultural force. The sheer scale of the event is a testament to the rising global interest in spiritual journeys, fostering deeper connections with ancient traditions and creating lasting socio-economic impact.
Jatinder Paul Singh, Co-founder and CEO, Viacation, highlights the significance of Mahakumbh’s vast reach. “The Mahakumbh 2025 is having a big impact on spiritual tourism. This huge turnout shows a growing global interest in meaningful travel and a desire to connect with ancient traditions. It also shows how large events can bring people from different cultures together and create lasting change. The Mahakumbh 2025 is also a major economic event, generating over Rs 2 lakh crore in revenue and creating nearly 800,000 jobs. These efforts help local communities and reduce environmental impact. As the event continues, it is helping shape the future of tourism, combining spirituality and global connections. With travel platforms making journeys more accessible, there is a shift towards experiences that support both local communities and the planet. This reflects the growing demand for responsible tourism at global events like the Mahakumbh.”
Beyond its economic and spiritual significance, the Mahakumbh is also a celebration of holistic well-being. With millions undertaking this sacred journey, ensuring health and vitality becomes paramount. Tej Katpitia, Executive Director and CEO, Sri Sri Tattva, elaborates on how his organization is playing a role in supporting devotees. “Mahakumbh 2025 is more than just a spiritual confluence—it is a celebration of India’s timeless heritage of holistic well-being. At Sri Sri Tattva, we are honored to serve devotees by offering free Ayurveda consultations, along with cookies and nourishing Ojasvita herbal drinks, to uplift their energy. Our 13 expert Ayurveda Vaidyas provided free consultations to more than 15,000 pilgrims, ensuring that everyone benefited from the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda. As faith and tradition converge, our initiative ensures that every visitor can fully immerse themselves in the sacred essence of Mahakumbh while also prioritizing their health, making their journey more enriching and fulfilling.”
The demand for curated pilgrimage experiences, premium accommodations, and seamless logistics has surged, transforming Mahakumbh into a crucial driver of India’s spiritual tourism sector. Sangram Ghorpade, CEO, Joy N Crew, underscores the event’s influence on the travel industry. “Mahakumbh is more than a pilgrimage—it is the epitome of spiritual tourism, attracting millions seeking divine experiences. With an estimated 100 million visitors in 2025, it presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for India’s travel industry to elevate spiritual tourism to a global scale. The demand for curated pilgrimage experiences, premium accommodations, and seamless logistics is at an all-time high, opening doors for innovative travel solutions. This event also drives economic benefits, boosting hospitality, transport, and local businesses, while positioning India as the world’s premier spiritual tourism hub. As we move forward, investing in structured, high-quality spiritual tourism will not only meet demand but also create a lasting socio-economic impact.”
Hotels and hospitality providers are also playing a vital role in accommodating the massive influx of visitors, ensuring that the experience remains comfortable while preserving the sanctity of the pilgrimage. S.P. Jain, CMD, Pride Hotels Group, speaks to the long-term vision of integrating hospitality with faith-based tourism. “The Mahakumbh Mela is more than just an event; it is a spiritual phenomenon that has shaped the very essence of religious tourism in India. As the world’s largest congregation of faith, it has drawn millions of seekers, pilgrims, and global travelers, reaffirming India’s position as the heart of spiritual discovery. At Pride Hotels Group, we have long recognized the transformative power of religious & spiritual tourism, strategically expanding our presence in key pilgrimage hubs like Deoghar, Puri, Dwarka, Haridwar, Rudraprayag, Ambaji, and Rishikesh. The growing global interest in Mahakumbh reinforces our vision to offer immersive, culturally enriching stays that honor tradition while providing modern comfort. This will be opening new venues of tourism, which has very high potential of attracting foreign tourists. As Mahakumbh elevates India’s business & spiritual tourism landscape, we at Pride Hotels Group, being India’s fastest-growing hotel chain, continue to bridge faith, heritage, and hospitality, creating experiences that transcend journeys and inspire the soul.”
Mahakumbh 2025 is proving to be much more than a religious gathering—it is a defining event that strengthens India’s cultural identity, boosts economic growth, and sets new benchmarks for global spiritual tourism. As millions converge on the sacred grounds, the event is not only fulfilling the spiritual aspirations of devotees but also laying the foundation for a future where faith and travel seamlessly intertwine, creating experiences that resonate across generations.
