By Ashutosh Shukla
Mahakumbhnagar/ Prayagraj: Preparations for Mahakumbh-2025 in Prayagraj are in full swing and the city is prepared to host millions of devotees, sadhus, Kalpvasis, pilgrims, and local residents.
Shopkeepers in the Sangam and Mela areas are stocking up on essential religious items, including Puja materials, Patra-Panchag, Rudraksha, Tulsi garlands, and sacred texts, sourced from Nepal, Banaras, and Mathura-Vrindavan.
The Mahakumbh is a grand celebration of the Sanatan faith, attracting devotees from every corner of the country to Prayagraj for taking holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. This year, an estimated 40 to 45 crore devotees are expected to visit Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh.
The Mela Authorities are enthusiastically preparing for the arrival, stay, and to cater the spiritual needs of the devotees. The people of Prayagraj, along with shopkeepers and traders, are equally excited for the Mahakumbh, 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 of Uttarakhand and Nepal, Tulsi garlands from Mathura-Vrindavan, and puja items like roli and sandalwood are being transported from Varanasi and Delhi’s Paharganj.
Sanjeev Tiwari, a religious book seller in Daraganj, Prayagraj, said that books from Gita Press, Gorakhpur, are in highest demand, especially the Ramcharit Manas, 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, lamps, 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.