The Mahakumbh 2025, the world’s largest religious gathering, is set to be a massive economic driver, especially for the gig economy in India. The 45-day event, expected to attract over 40 crore pilgrims, will create a surge in demand for transportation, food delivery, accommodation, and other essential services.
According to a recent report, Mahakumbh 2025 is anticipated to generate an estimated 1.2 million (12 lakh) gig and temporary jobs, benefitting over eight lakh workers across various sectors. This highlights how large-scale religious events can contribute significantly to employment and financial empowerment, particularly for gig workers in Uttar Pradesh.
How Mahakumbh 2025 Will Boost the Gig Economy
The sheer scale of Mahakumbh 2025 is expected to drive demand in several industries, leading to a sharp rise in gig-based employment. Here’s how different sectors will benefit:
1. Food Delivery Services to See Massive Demand
With millions of pilgrims attending Mahakumbh 2025, the demand for quick and affordable meals will skyrocket. Gig workers will play a crucial role in meeting this need by delivering food via platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, and local cloud kitchens.
🔹 Impact: The previous Mahakumbh saw food delivery orders increase by 40%, and similar growth is expected in 2025. Temporary hiring on food delivery platforms is set to rise significantly.
2. Transportation Gig Workers to Earn Higher Wages
Navigating Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh requires reliable transportation services. App-based cab drivers, auto-rickshaw drivers, and e-rickshaw operators will experience a surge in ride bookings, leading to increased earnings. Many first-time drivers will sign up with platforms like Ola, Uber, and Rapido to capitalize on the seasonal demand.
🔹 Impact: During Mahakumbh 2013, ride-hailing services witnessed a 60% increase in bookings. With the 2025 event being even bigger, gig workers in the transport sector stand to benefit immensely.
3. Accommodation Services to Experience a Boom
With hotels and guesthouses running at full capacity, gig-based accommodation services will flourish. Locals will leverage platforms like Airbnb and OYO to rent out spare rooms or entire properties, earning significant extra income.
🔹 Impact: In Prayagraj, a home rental that typically costs ₹1,500 per night can go up to ₹5,000 during Mahakumbh, creating a substantial earning opportunity for property owners.
4. Other Gig and Temporary Jobs to Thrive
Apart from food and transportation, several other gig-based roles will emerge, including:
- Tour guides assist pilgrims in navigating the event.
- Freelance photographers capture spiritual moments.
- Sanitation and cleaning workers hired on short-term contracts.
- Event management staff for organizing large-scale logistics.
🔹 Impact: Over 12 lakh gig and temporary jobs will be created during the 45-day Mahakumbh 2025, benefiting 8 lakh workers across multiple industries.
The Role of Mahakumbh in Strengthening the Gig Economy in Rural India
A major highlight of Mahakumbh 2025 is the economic opportunities it will provide to rural workers. Many individuals from nearby towns and villages will temporarily migrate to Prayagraj to take up gig work, earning a stable income during the event.
Additionally, with the rise of digital financial solutions, gig workers will have access to Earned Wage Access (EWA), digital payments, and micro-financing options, further promoting financial inclusion.
The Mahakumbh gig economy is a testament to how religious festivals can become economic engines. The event will provide financial flexibility and short-term employment for lakhs of workers, further reinforcing the gig economy’s role in India’s workforce.
In the end with Mahakumbh 2025 set to generate 1.2 million gig and temporary jobs, it will have a profound economic impact, especially on gig workers. The gig economy in India continues to grow, and events like Mahakumbh play a crucial role in offering seasonal employment opportunities that enhance financial well-being.
As more gig workers participate in Mahakumbh 2025, the event will be a spiritual gathering and a financial milestone for many. Whether it’s through food delivery, transportation, accommodation, or other gig services, Mahakumbh 2025 will be a game-changer for the gig workforce in UP.
