Maha Kumbh to Generate ₹2 Lakh Crore in revenue: Reliance, TATA, Adani, Emami, HUL and more to benefit!

The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela is expected to garner 45 crore visitors including domestic tourists, saints and international tourists. The major hindu festival will witness millions of devotees gather to immerse themselves in the holy waters of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati in a spiritual ritual symbolizing purification of the soul and a path to attaining liberation. This year’s Mahakumbh is happening at Prayagraj (Allahabad) from 13th January 2025 to 26th February 2025 in the unique alignment of constellations that happens once in every 144 years. 
 

Impact of MahaKumbh: The Numbers Behind Mahakumbh

As per data from Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), with approx 80% visitors spending even ₹5,000 each, the Mela is set to become a major economic driver for Uttar Pradesh with a projection to bring ₹2 lakh crore in revenue for the state. 

• Mahakumbh Mela 2025 is expected to generate 6-7 lakh temporary jobs. 
• Over 2 lakh artisans and vendors will participate, boosting the local economy and promoting traditional crafts.
• Top brands like ITC, Coca-Cola, Adani Group, Hindustan Unilever, Dabur, Bisleri, Emami, Reliance Consumer Products, Bank of Baroda, SpiceJet and more have bought branding rights worth ₹3600 crores. 

Government Expenditures for MahaKumbh 2025

The Central and State governments have announced significant investments across infrastructure, environmental conservation, security, and facilities to accommodate the influx of millions of pilgrims arriving for one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. 
 

₹7,000 Crores for Infrastructure Development

• Improved roads and bridges to ensure better connectivity to Prayagraj and within the MahaKumbhnagar area.
• Enhanced sanitation facilities, including public toilets and waste management systems, to maintain hygiene during the event.
• Upgraded public utilities, such as water supply and electricity, to meet the needs of millions of visitors.
   

₹500 Crores for Environmental Conservation

• Cleaning and maintenance of the Ganga, ensuring that the river remains clean and safe for pilgrims.
• Eco-friendly waste management systems to reduce pollution and uphold sustainability.
• Programs to spread awareness about environmental conservation among visitors.
   

4,000-hectare Tent City for Pilgrims

• 1,50,000 tents with basic amenities to provide comfortable lodging for pilgrims.
• Enhanced sanitation and waste management systems to maintain hygiene across the campsite.
• Improved transportation services within the MahaKumbhnagar to ensure ease of movement for visitors.
   

Security and Surveillance Measures

• Deployment of 40,000 police personnel, including special task forces, for crowd management and security.
• AI-powered surveillance systems, including facial recognition and real-time monitoring, to maintain vigilance and prevent untoward incidents.
   

167 Projects worth ₹5,500 Crores Inaugurated by the Prime Minister

• 14 new flyovers to improve traffic flow in and around Prayagraj.
• 9 permanent ghats and 12 kilometers of temporary ghats for rituals and bathing.
• 7 new bus stations to improve transportation access for pilgrims traveling to the event.
   

Companies and Shares Likely to Benefit from Mahakumbh 2025

As millions of pilgrims travel to the event, certain industries and companies stand to gain from the increased demand for services and products. Below are the key sectors and companies expected to benefit significantly:

1. Tourism & Hospitality: Hotels, guesthouses, and local retail businesses catering to the needs of these visitors will experience heightened demand. Major hospitality chains such as Indian Hotels and Lemon Tree are also well-positioned to benefit from the expected spike in bookings.
 

2. Telecommunication & Retail: The telecommunication sector is likely to see an increase in data and voice usage as millions of pilgrims connect with loved ones and access information. Reliance Industries, with its widespread retail stores and Jio network, stands out as a key player.
 

3. Transportation: Companies in the aviation, rail, and road travel sectors are set to profit from increased ticket sales and services catering to pilgrims. As the key mode of transport for pilgrims, IRCTC will experience a surge in ticket sales and special trains aimed at Mahakumbh visitors. Indigo & SpiceJet airlines are also expected to see increased bookings for domestic travel to the event. 
 

4. Consumer Goods & FMCG: Increased demand for packaged food, hygiene products, and daily-use essentials is expected in the run-up to Mahakumbh. Brands specializing in packaged food, hygiene products, and personal care like ITC, Bisleri, Dabur, HUL and more.
 

5. Infrastructure Development: Massive investments in infrastructure, including roads, bridges, sanitation, and public utilities, will not only benefit the local economy but also provide opportunities for infrastructure and construction companies like Larsen & Toubro, Adani Group, Dilip Buildcon and more to secure lucrative contracts.
 

6. Technology & Security: Ensuring the safety and smooth management of the crowds at Mahakumbh requires significant investment in technology and surveillance. Companies providing technological solutions for security, crowd control, and digital infrastructure like Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) could be a key player at the event.
 

7. Logistics & Supply Chain: The logistics and supply chain sector will play a critical role in transporting goods, equipment, and supplies to meet the needs of the event. Companies like Blue Dart & Delhivery could experience higher demand for transporting goods and supplies to the venue. 
 

8. Energy: With its contribution to energy infrastructure, Tata Power could see increased demand for electricity and power solutions, especially in a region that will experience such a massive surge in population.
 

9. UPI Payments: Given that the majority of payments at the Maha Kumbh will be made digitally via UPI,  platforms like Google Pay and Paytm will see a boost in their transactions. 
 

10. Food Delivery & Online Services: The growing trend of online food delivery will play a crucial role in ensuring that pilgrims are well-fed during the event, especially those staying in temporary accommodations. With an increased demand for food delivery services to accommodations, Zomato and Swiggy could benefit from the high volume of orders placed by pilgrims. 
 

Conclusion

As businesses gear up to meet the demands of Maha Kumbh this year, investors have the chance to benefit directly or indirectly. However, it is essential to approach these opportunities with a balanced perspective.

Investors should do thorough research, assess long-term growth prospects, and consider the sustainability of demand beyond the event. While the economic activity during Mahakumbh can create short-term spikes for the stocks, careful evaluation of company fundamentals, market conditions, and valuations remains crucial. 
 

Disclaimer

This blog is for general/educational information purposes and is no way to be considered as advice, or recommendation for investment or otherwise.

Investment in securities market are subject to market risk, read all the documents carefully before investing. The securities quoted are exemplary and not to be considered as any kind of advice or recommendation. The past performance of the stocks are not necessarily indicative of future performance. INDmoney Private Limited 616, Level 6, Suncity Success Tower, Sector 65, Gurugram, 122005, SEBI Stock Broking Registration No: INZ000305337, Trading and Clearing Member of NSE (90267, M70042) and BSE, BSE StarMF (6779), SEBI Depository Participant Reg. No. IN-DP-690-2022, Depository Participant ID: CDSL 12095500.

Sources: PIB, Mint, Economic Times, Business Standard, The Sunday Guardian