Simhastha Kumbh 2027 in Nashik to Generate Up to Rs 27,000 Crore Economic Activity: Study

Nashik, 2nd April 2026: The Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027 at Nashik and Trimbakeshwar is projected to generate up to Rs 27,000 crore in total economic activity, as per estimates developed by deAsra Foundation under its knowledge partnership with the Nashik Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority (NTKMA). The estimates highlight that this economic impact will be driven through a combination of direct, indirect and induced spending across the regional economy.

According to the assessment, direct visitor spending during the Kumbh is expected to range between approximately Rs 8,500 crore and Rs 11,000 crore, arising from expenditure on food, accommodation, local transport, religious retail and related services. This direct spending is further expected to generate significant indirect economic activity of around Rs 7,830 crore through supply chain linkages such as procurement, logistics and services. Additionally, induced economic impact of about Rs 10,530 crore is projected from increased household spending by workers and businesses benefiting from the Kumbh economy. Together, these components constitute the total estimated economic activity of Rs 27,000 crore.

The projections underline that every rupee spent directly by visitors can generate more than two times additional economic activity in the broader economy, making Simhastha not only a religious congregation but also a major economic driver for the region.

To ensure that this economic opportunity meaningfully benefits local communities, deAsra Foundation, in partnership with the Kumbh Mela Authority, is developing a comprehensive policy framework focused on nano and small enterprises.

The framework emphasizes five sectors where local businesses can capture maximum value: religious retail, food services, accommodation, recreation, and local transport. Under the proposed incentive structure, free skill training will be provided to over 30,000 individuals. Five thousand designated vendor spots will be allocated across Mela areas amidst other initiatives.

deAsra’s estimates are benchmarked against two data points: the Nashik Kumbh 2015, which drew 3 crore visitors, and the Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2025, which saw 66 crore visitors and Rs 3 lakh crore in spending.

“Simhastha is not just a religious event, it represents a significant economic opportunity for Nashik and Trimbakeshwar. Our focus is to ensure that this economic activity translates into tangible benefits for local vendors, service providers and small entrepreneurs across all levels,” said NTKMA Commissioner Shekhar Singh.

Pradnya Godbole, CEO, deAsra Foundation, said, “The Kumbh creates a unique multiplier effect where direct spending triggers wider economic gains. By preparing nano-enterprises to participate across direct, indirect and induced channels, we can ensure that the benefits of this large-scale economic activity are widely distributed and sustained beyond the event.”

The Simhastha Kumbh 2027 will be held between July and September 2027 as the primary Mela period, with preparations and associated activities spanning a longer duration.

Key Facts

Total economic activity: Up to Rs 27,000 crore (Direct + Indirect + Induced)

Direct visitor spending: Approx. Rs 8,500–11,000 crore

Indirect impact (supply chain): Approx. Rs 7,830 crore

Induced impact (household spending): Approx. Rs 10,530 crore

Economic multiplier: Every Rs 1 of direct spending generates over Rs 2 additional activity

Focus sectors: Religious retail, food services, accommodation, recreation, local transport

Knowledge Partner: deAsra Foundation

Free skill training to be provided: Over 30,000 individuals

Benchmark: Nashik Kumbh 2015 — 3 crore visitors | Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2025 — 66 crore visitors