Boatmen in Prayagraj Reap Record Profits from Maha Kumbh Mela

By A Staff Reporter

Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh – The recently concluded Maha Kumbh Mela has not only been a grand religious spectacle but also a major economic boon for local boatmen in Prayagraj. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, speaking in the State Assembly, revealed that a single family operating 130 boats made ₹30 crore in profits during the 45-day religious congregation.

Pintu Mahara, a boatman from the family mentioned by the Chief Minister, confirmed that the earnings were not limited to just his family but extended to the entire boatmen community.

“We have over 100 family members engaged in this business, operating around 130 boats. Everyone benefited from the Kumbh Mela. Some earned ₹5 lakh, ₹10 lakh, while others made ₹20 lakh. It was a historic event for the boatmen community, with earnings far surpassing previous years,” Mahara stated.

He further explained that even small-time boat operators, who typically earned between ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh annually, saw their incomes quadruple during the festival. Many earned between ₹4-5 lakh, with some even reaching ₹7-8 lakh.

Apart from earnings through rides, boatmen also benefited from generous donations by devotees. “Pilgrims donated silver and gold coins, and there was no limit to the contributions,” Mahara added.