The world's largest religious gathering is a $150 billion business

The sheer volume at Kumbh Mela means massive business opportunity for local traders. Tourists from several countries including Australia, UK, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, New Zealand, Mauritius, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka are reportedly attending the Kumbh.

The Uttar Pradesh government has reportedly spent close to ₹40 billion in this year’s fair which is three times more than the budget of last Maha Kumbh held in 2013. This year’s Kumbh mela is thus the costliest affair for the state government.

The hospitality sector will employ nearly 250,000 people while the aviation sector both airlines and airports) and tour operators are aiming to employ 150,000 and 45,000 people respectively.

The boost in eco-tourism and medical tourism is likely to have 85,000 workers.

Additionally, other unorganised sectors that employ tour guides, taxi drivers and volunteers, are aiming at generating 55,000 new employment opportunities.

Given the scale of the event, Kumbh boasts some impressive economics, employing over 600,000 people, CII said in its report.

Facilitating the massive number of tourists at Kumbh has meant the government of Uttar Pradesh has had to build a new temporary city spanning roads stretching 250 kilometers and 22 pontoon bridges.