Mahakumbh 2025 boosts spiritual tourism

Arijit Bose

Prayagraj: The Maha Kumbh 2025 has emerged as a significant catalyst for the remarkable growth in inbound spiritual tourism to India, according to a recent survey by Atlys, a visa processing firm. The report highlights a 21.4% surge in international travel to India for religious purposes, underscoring the event’s global appeal.

Key Insights from the Survey:

  1. Primary Drivers:
    • Maha Kumbh 2025: The spiritual mega-event has drawn immense interest from pilgrims and spiritual seekers worldwide.
    • Global Engagement: Travelers from the United States and the United Kingdom account for a significant share of the visa applications, reflecting India’s strong global spiritual allure.
  2. Trends in Spiritual Travel:
    • Nearly 48% of all visa applications for spiritual travel are connected to major pilgrimages and events like the Maha Kumbh.
    • Group travel has seen a substantial increase of 35%, signifying a preference for shared spiritual experiences.
  3. Demographic Shifts:
    • Millennials are driving the surge in spiritual tourism, with women representing 66% of this group.
    • This shift signals a transition from traditional pilgrim demographics to younger, adventure-seeking travelers exploring spiritual dimensions.
  4. Popular Destinations:
    • The iconic spiritual cities of Varanasi, Rishikesh, and Haridwar remain the top choices for international visitors.
  5. Scale of Maha Kumbh 2025:
    • The event is expected to draw over 40 crore participants, making it one of the largest religious gatherings globally.
    • Recent data reveals that over 9.24 crore devotees have already participated in the holy “Amrit Snan” at the Triveni Sangam.
  6. Expert Perspectives:
    • Mohak Nahta, CEO of Atlys, remarked on the evolving nature of spiritual travel:
      “India’s spiritual legacy has always captured global attention, but we’re now seeing an embrace of these sacred journeys by travelers seeking both adventure and self-discovery.”

Implications for India:

India’s rich spiritual heritage, coupled with its vibrant cultural traditions, has positioned the country as a global leader in spiritual tourism. The growing influx of younger and more diverse travelers indicates a broader cultural and economic impact, with the Maha Kumbh playing a pivotal role in shaping this narrative.

---------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------

Related posts