Preparations for Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj are in full swing, with rapid efforts underway to ensure the event’s success. As the city prepares to host millions of devotees, the excitement is palpable among sadhus, kalpvasis, pilgrims and local residents alike.
Shopkeepers at the Sangam and Mela areas are stocking up essential religious items, including puja materials, patra-panchang, Rudraksha, Tulsi garlands and sacred texts, sourced from Nepal, Banaras and Mathura-Vrindavan.
The Maha Kumbh is a grand celebration of the Sanatan faith, drawing devotees from every corner of the country to Prayagraj to partake in the spiritual virtue of bathing at the Triveni Sangam. This year, an estimated 40 to 45 crore devotees are expected to visit Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh.
Under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Mela Authority is enthusiastically preparing for the arrival, stay and spiritual needs of the devotees. The people of Prayagraj, along with shopkeepers and traders, are equally excited about the Maha Kumbh, viewing it as an opportunity for both spiritual enrichment and economic growth through business and employment opportunities.
Across the city, hotels, restaurants, food stalls and shops selling puja materials, religious books, garlands and flowers are being decked up to cater to the needs of visitors. Wholesale traders are stocking up on goods from various cities, anticipating the high demand during the event.
Rudraksha garlands are being sourced from Uttarakhand and Nepal, Tulsi garlands from Mathura-Vrindavan, and puja items like roli and sandalwood from Varanasi and Delhi’s Paharganj.
Sanjeev Tiwari, a religious book seller in Daraganj, Prayagraj, reported that books from Gita Press, Gorakhpur, are in highest demand, especially the Ramcharitmanas, Bhagwat Gita, Shiv Puran and collections of bhajans and aartis. Priests performing rituals are also purchasing patra and panchang printed in Varanasi. Additionally, brass and copper bells, lamp and idols from Moradabad and Varanasi are being ordered in large quantities.
Devotees, sadhus and sanyasis participating in kalpavas at the fair are demanding havan samagri, aasan, Gangajal, plates, urns and other items for worship. Shopkeepers are stocking these items in large quantities to meet the anticipated demand, ensuring they are well-prepared to serve the spiritual and practical needs of the visitors.
