HBI Staff | Hyderabad 
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj has brought an unprecedented boom to the city’s economy, with the hospitality sector taking the lead. Hotels across the city are reporting record-breaking occupancy rates, with most accommodations fully booked well in advance. This religious mega-event, attracting millions of devotees from across India and the globe, has turned Prayagraj into a bustling hub of activity, driving growth in tourism and hospitality.
Since the official start of the Maha Kumbh on January 13, the influx of pilgrims and tourists has surged, with over seven crore devotees already taking a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam. The auspicious bathing days of Paush Purnima and Makar Sankranti have further amplified the demand for lodging, with both luxury hotels and budget accommodations operating at full capacity.
Harjinder Singh, President of the Prayagraj Hotel and Restaurant Welfare Association, highlighted the exceptional growth in the hotel industry. “We’ve seen profits soar by 30-40% so far, and we anticipate this will reach 50% in the coming weeks as more pilgrims and tourists arrive for key bathing days,” Singh stated.
The burgeoning tent city accommodations have also seen remarkable growth, offering an alternative for the millions visiting the city. Mahendra Goyal, State President of the Confederation of All India Traders, estimated that the combined business generated by the hotel and tent city sectors during the Maha Kumbh could reach a staggering ₹2,500-3,000 crore.
Hotels have not only benefited from high occupancy rates but also from the increased demand for dining and auxiliary services. Restaurants and cafes are seeing long queues, while premium hotels are hosting international visitors seeking a blend of spiritual experience and modern amenities.
The Maha Kumbh has further underscored the critical role of hospitality in managing such massive events. It has driven innovation, with hotels offering customized packages for pilgrims, including guided tours, transportation to bathing ghats, and spiritual sessions. The influx has also created opportunities for temporary employment, bolstering the local economy.
As the Mela progresses, key bathing days such as Mauni Amavasya are expected to draw even larger crowds, ensuring sustained growth for Prayagraj’s hotel industry.
