The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj not only witnessed an extraordinary display of faith and devotion but also became a testament to the immense economic opportunities it generated. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently shared an inspiring success story during the state assembly session, revealing that a boatman and his family earned a staggering ₹30 crore in just 45 days during the religious gathering.
How Did the Boatman Earn ₹30 Crore?
During the legislative assembly discussion on the annual budget for 2025-26, CM Yogi Adityanath narrated the remarkable tale of the boatman. According to the CM, the boatman owned 130 boats, each generating an average income of ₹23 lakh during the Maha Kumbh. This translates to approximately ₹50,000-52,000 per day per boat.
“A boatman’s family, who owned 130 boats, earned a total of ₹30 crore in just 45 days during the Mahakumbh. This means each boat earned ₹23 lakh over the 45 days, which translates to about ₹50,000-52,000 per day,” Yogi Adityanath stated while addressing the assembly.
The story quickly went viral, highlighting the significant economic potential of the Maha Kumbh and its transformative impact on the lives of the local community.
Maha Kumbh 2025: A Confluence of Faith and Prosperity
The Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, is held every 12 years in Prayagraj at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. The 2025 edition attracted over 66 crore devotees and sadhus from across India and over 100 countries, making it not only a spiritual spectacle but also an economic boon for Uttar Pradesh.
Yogi Adityanath emphasized that the Maha Kumbh broke barriers of caste, religion, and region, uniting people under the umbrella of tradition and faith. The Chief Minister dismissed allegations of discrimination, stating that the event was inclusive and showcased Uttar Pradesh’s capabilities on a global platform.
“For the opposition, the devotees visiting the Maha Kumbh were a vote bank, whereas for us, they represented our heritage and faith. That’s why people trust our government,” the CM remarked, taking a jibe at the Samajwadi Party (SP).
Economic Impact of Maha Kumbh 2025
The Maha Kumbh not only uplifted the spiritual landscape of Uttar Pradesh but also injected a significant economic boost into the state’s economy. According to CM Yogi Adityanath, the total contribution of Maha Kumbh 2025 to Uttar Pradesh’s economy was estimated at ₹3.5 lakh crore.
Here is a breakdown of the key economic drivers:
- ₹40,000 crore from the hotel and hospitality industry
- ₹33,000 crore from food and daily essentials
- ₹1.5 lakh crore from transportation services, including taxis, buses, and boat rides
- ₹20,000 crore from religious offerings made by devotees
- ₹660 crore from donations at temples and religious trusts
- ₹300 crore from toll taxes collected during the event
- ₹66,000 crore from other economic activities such as shopping, souvenirs, and local businesses
The unprecedented economic activity during the Maha Kumbh provided livelihood opportunities to thousands of people, including boatmen, hoteliers, street vendors, and artisans.
How the Boatman Became a Millionaire Overnight
The story of the boatman exemplifies how the religious gathering became a catalyst for economic transformation. Owning 130 boats allowed the boatman’s family to capitalize on the massive influx of pilgrims who required boat rides to perform rituals at the Sangam.
With each boat earning ₹50,000-52,000 per day, the boatman not only ensured a steady income for his family but also provided employment to dozens of other boat operators. This success story became symbolic of the economic windfall that the Maha Kumbh created for small business owners and local entrepreneurs.
Global Recognition for Uttar Pradesh’s Management
CM Yogi Adityanath also highlighted that the Maha Kumbh 2025 received global recognition for its seamless organization and infrastructure development. The event was attended by dignitaries, spiritual leaders, and devotees from across the world.
The Uttar Pradesh government invested heavily in infrastructure, sanitation, transportation, and security to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. Special focus was given to eco-friendly practices, waste management, and river cleanliness, making the Maha Kumbh a model for sustainable religious tourism.
Opposition’s Allegations Dismissed
Despite the grand success of the Maha Kumbh, the opposition parties alleged that the government discriminated against certain communities during the event. However, CM Yogi Adityanath vehemently denied these claims, asserting that the event was inclusive and open to everyone irrespective of caste, religion, or region.
“The opposition tried to spread misinformation, but the faith of the devotees remained unshaken. The Maha Kumbh is a celebration of our heritage and culture, and we are committed to serving every devotee equally,” the CM added.
Conclusion
The story of the boatman earning ₹30 crore during the Maha Kumbh stands as a testament to the transformative power of faith and economic opportunity. The Maha Kumbh not only strengthened the spiritual fabric of the country but also emerged as a massive economic driver for Uttar Pradesh.
As the state continues to develop its religious tourism infrastructure, the success stories from the Maha Kumbh 2025 will inspire many more small businesses and entrepreneurs in the future. The government’s commitment to organizing the event with inclusivity and transparency has set a new benchmark for religious tourism in India.
The remarkable journey of the boatman serves as a beacon of hope, showing how faith and entrepreneurship can come together to create life-changing opportunities.