The world’s largest human gathering, Maha Kumbh Mela is currently happening in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Scores of people across India and the globe have taken to the River Ganga for a spiritual snan or holy bath. Happening till February 26, this once-in-144-year event is marked by rare celestial alignments where 12 cycles of 12 Kumbh Meals were completed before this auspicious Maha Kumbh Mela. A recent study has revealed that travel bookings to Prayagraj for January 28 have surged by a whopping 1,776% this year compared to the same time last year when there was no event. Here are more insights.
1,776% Increase In Bookings To Prayagraj For January 28 Compared To Last Year
Leading global travel app Skyscanner released data indicating an increased demand for travel to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh on account of the Maha Kumbh Mela happening from January 13 to February 26. This once-in-144-year event has elevated booking volumes from January 12 and will continue through February 26. This is because it aligns with key dates of the shahi snan or holy dip rituals. The world’s largest spiritual gathering has attracted millions of pilgrims from across India and even international visitors who are curious to learn and be part of this auspicious gathering.
As per the Skyscanner report, January 28 stands out as the peak travel date as it aligns with the Second Shahi Snan (royal bath) happening on January 29. Notably, January 28 has recorded a whopping 675% increase in booking volume as compared to other dates. Compared to the same time last year, the bookings to Prayagraj have surged by 1,776%. Other dates witnessing high booking volumes are January 14, 15, 25 and 29.
Also, as per data in the week of January 20, the searches for February travel to Prayagraj have surged across key domestic routes. Apart from Prayagraj, searches for nearby travel routes are also seen. Here are the 4 most searched travel routes for the Maha Kumbh Mela.
- Bengaluru to Varanasi
- Mumbai to Varanasi
- Mumbai to Prayagraj
Also, here are the following routes that have witnessed a week-on-week growth in searches for travel in February.
- Hyderabad to Prayagraj (by 2,815% )
- Pune to Prayagraj (by 1345%)
- Prayagraj to Mumbai (by 870%)
Also Read: Maha Kumbh 2025: What Can Visitors Get For ₹50 At New Food Court Zone In This Religious Gathering?
Travellers From Dubai Express Most Travel Interest
Apart from the increased interest in the Maha Kumbh Mela by domestic travellers, even international tourists have expressed the same. A significant number of international tourists planned their visits to Prayagraj from the Maha Kumbh Mela around the key holy dip dates (January 13, January 14, January 29, February 3, February 12, February 26). It’s very evident that the spiritual event has a global appeal. The top 5 international cities that have searched for travel to Prayagraj around the above-mentioned dates are
- Dubai
- London
- Abu Dhabi
- Singapore
- Doha
So, are you planning to fly to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh Mela?
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikipedia
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