Kumbha has been the epitome of Civilizational Unity and integrity of Bharat since time immemorial... — Mahadevayya Karadalli

Strong Economy behind Huge religious activities

Western economists would find it surprising that Religious beliefs and resultant activities, would result in massive growth in economic activities benefitting all sections of people across the society.  From time immemorial, religious gatherings were the occasion for producers and consumers of different regions to meet together to exchange goods.  

Religious Rituals giving a big boost to economy 

No doubt such an excellent arrangement involved spending quite a good amount of money.  Govt of UP spent about Rs. 7500 Crores in addition to a grant from Central Government of Rs. 2100 crores.  But this huge expenditure needs to be compared with the huge amount of business activity generated which is estimated upwards of whopping Rs. 3 Lakh crores, which is almost equal to last year Karnataka state budge. It has generated an estimated income of more than Rs. 25,000 Crores to Govt of UP only  in the form of increase in taxes, rental income etc., The professors who are teaching western economy of Adam smit, David Yum, Alfred Marshal and other theory, thee Capitalism and Socialism shall look Kumbha Mela economic activities to learn Bharatiya Artha Shastra in action.

Huge business volume was generated in Hotel Accommodation 40000 crores, catering and food services 20000 crores, travel, tour guides, sale of religious paraphernalia 20000 crores and other miscellaneous activities, including Boat services in River. It is quiet interesting incident is an unemployed youth by selling neem stick and another by providing mobile charging service center earned lakhs of rupees. In fact, many have earned more than their regular annual income, in just 45 days during Kumbh Period. Such an increase in activity, was particularly noticeable among the traders in poorer section of society, such as street vendors, boatmen, auto drivers, it is estimated that more than 8 lakhs new jobs were created during this period. 

Mammoth Challenge of “Cleanliness” in such a huge gathering 

All of us have experienced how our household arrangements get disturbed if we get a few guests for a couple of days.  Imagine the huge challenge presented to the city of Prayagaraj, when more than 100 times of normal population of the city, were present in city each day  during Kumbh Days. How much pressure would  have been put on UP Government servants to handle such a huge volume.  The Government servants of all departments specially the Municipality workers, employees of electricity, health, transport departments etc., worked on 24*7 basis to make this program a grand success. Kumbh has created the world record in terms “the largest simultaneous river clean-up, the highest number of volunteers participating in a single-site cleanliness drive, and the most participants creating handprint paintings in just eight hours”.

It is very unfortunate that few in opposition criticized the Yogi Government, on the ground of Miss Management, miss handling of the crowd, on a few unfortunate incidents including 2 cases of stampede.   To this Yogi responded appropriately, by pointing out that those who (like vultures) wanted to see dead bodies, saw only the dead bodies, those who (like pigs) wanted to see filth and garbage.  Likewise more than 500 million devotees, who wanted to see Divine in Kumbh, got divine blessings, and traders, including poor street vendors etc,  who wanted economic benefit,  got huge amount of business. 

Those who criticize out of sheer hatred for Hindus, would not succeed any more in spreading their lies. Since the arrangement of Kumbh was seen by their own eyes and also appreciated by one and all, including foreigners who visited the Kumbh. 

The disciplined behavior of 66 crores devotees at the site was admirable.  Except for one unfortunate incident of stampede, none of them troubled others with their uncouth behavior, such as shouting inflammatory slogans, mocking other religion, calling other religions as false /devil worship, obstructing the traffic by doing prayers on the middle of road etc., There was no attempt of harass the women, throw stones at others’ place of worship, or even to convert people of other religion. 

During Kumbha Mela, a Sense of unity among Hindus / Bharatiyas was not only  on grand display but also a live example.  There was no separation of any kind on the basis of Caste, region, All the devotees who came either Muslim, Christ or other sects while doing Kumbha Snana they were all Hindus and Bharatiyas only. If this noble thought of we are Bharatiyas spread among all our men and women and followed  in letter and spirit, there will be no riots, disturbances . There will be a Peaceful environment which is need of the hour for development of our Nation universal peace and harmony.  In a true sense, Kumbha Mela was the display of principle “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (world as one family) in action. 

Kumbh was also an occasion for grand assertion of raising  self-confidence of Hindus before the whole world. The whole world now looks at India, with admiration, for the amazing manner in which such a massive gathering was pulled off successfully, without any major hiccups. Many generations like, us come and go but Bharat is eternal.  Kumbh Mela which takes place every 12 years (with special significance for once in 144-year event) is the perfect example of “Sanatana” (perpetual) nature of Hinduism.   As Bharat attains greater glory as the time passes by Kumbh returns again and again to see Bharat attaining “Vishwa Guru” status. Loka Samastu sukhino Bhavantu.