The present Mahakumbh at Prayagraj has gone beyond representing the pride of the spiritual world and has also provided it with a tremendous economic boost to the city. Due to the number of pilgrims and tourists, the activity in a wide variety of sectors related to hospitality, food, textiles, and electronics has escalated dramatically. Experiences report 30-40% sales growth, an era of good luck for traders and small businesses.
Economic Impact and Revenue Generation
Retail and wholesale businesses are thriving like never before. Sales have even doubled or tripled in some areas of the Mahakumbh, even at the start of the campaigning. According to the Uttar Pradesh chapter of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), the event is projected to generate a turnover of over ₹17,310 crore, driven by daily essentials required by devotees.
Breaking down the numbers: Breaking down the numbers:
- Puja Items: Expected revenue of ₹2,000 crore.
- Flower Trade: Estimated at ₹800 crore over the 45-day period.
- Groceries and Edible Oils: Together contributing ₹5,000 crore ₹4,000 crore from groceries like wheat flour, sugar, and spices; ₹1,000 crore from oils).
- Vegetables: Adding ₹2,000 crore.
- Household Goods: Items such as mattresses and bedsheets contributing ₹500 crore.
- Dairy Products: Even the sales of milk and its allied products will aggregate to₹4,000 crore on its own.
- Electronics and Appliances: Heaters and blowers are expected to generate ₹50 crore.
- Other Essentials: The sales in plastic jerrycans used for Ganga Jal pack will be ₹60 crore, and the sales in firewood will be ₹50 crore.
The hospitality and travel sectors are also booming. Hotels, guesthouses and other lodgings are forecast to bring in ₹2,500 crore. It is also projected that travel services, including car rentals and e-rickshaws, will fetch ₹300 crore. Loss of additional revenue due to boat services and miscellaneous goods is projected to be ₹350 crore.
Growth in Retail Trade
The retail industry has experienced a phenomenal growth trend with the sales escalating 20-25% up to Makar Sankranti. In accordance with Shiv Shankar Singh, General Secretary, District Business Association, Prayagraj, the expansion covers FMCG goods, auto, CCTV cameras, wires, cables and food items. Momentum is anticipated to persist through major bathing festivals e.g., Mauni Amavasya.
Kadir, president of the Business Board, pointed out that items like puja materials, garments, blankets, electronics, and tent textiles have doubled in sale as the event continues through today.
Dry Fruits in High Demand
Dry fruits have become a significant product of the Mahakumbh, consumed in large amount in prasad, sweets, and offerings. Abhishek Mittal, a local wholesaler, estimated that around 250 tonnes of dry fruits would be consumed during the event, with 120 tonnes already delivered in January.
Special storage units have been organised to preserve freshness, while vacuum-packing is being employed to protect dry fruits against moisture and damage by insect. Mittal highlighted the importance of sourcing top-quality goods from domestic and international sources while providing continuous flow of goods during the event.
- Almonds: From California, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir.
- Makhana: Sourced from Bihar’s Mithila region.
- Cashews: From Goa, Kerala, and Karnataka.
- Raisins: Supplied from Nasik and Sangli, Maharashtra and Bikaner, Rajasthan.
- Chironji: Procured from Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
- Pistachios: Imported from Iran, Turkey, and the USA.
- Dates: Transported en mass from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Iran via Delhi.
Effective logistics plans, including bulk buying and alliances with dependable transport partners, have been effective in providing timely delivery. KK Verma, a Prayagraj wholesaler, affirmed, “Our logistics plan guarantees smooth stock arrivals, preventing any disruptions.”.
Praise for Preparations
The quality and availability of the essentials is outstanding this year,” etc. Traders have outdone themselves in meeting the needs of pilgrims.”.
Cultural and Economic Synergy
Mahakumbh is a manifestation of the symbiosis of faith and business, that keeps affirm the reputation of Prayagraj as a city of faiths and business. The event has created a new standard for large-scale festivals in terms of organisation, with positive effects rippling through all areas of industry.
In tandem with the Mahakumbh, the event not only builds the economy of the city, but it also unveils the smooth blending between cultural heritage and contemporary trade. This magnificent festival is continuing to inspire not only thousands of people in faith but also millions in goods and services.
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