The religious event of the Maha Kumbh has had a noticeable impact on tourism at the Taj Mahal, with fewer visitors coming to see the iconic monument. Since the beginning of the year, the number of tourists has steadily declined, and it seems that the spiritual significance of the Kumbh festival is now taking precedence over tourism activities.
Decrease in Visitor Numbers
At the start of the year, the Taj Mahal saw a significant influx of visitors, with over 100,000 tourists arriving between January 1 and 3. However, as the Maha Kumbh festivities gained momentum, there has been a sharp drop in the number of people visiting the monument. On average, only 17,000 to 20,000 people are now arriving daily to view the Taj, marking a 40% decrease in tourist traffic.
Decline in Both Domestic and International Tourists
Interestingly, the drop in tourist numbers isn’t confined to foreign visitors alone; even Indian tourists, who had been showing an upward trend, have started to stay away. Before the Kumbh event, Indian tourism had shown growth, but this has now reversed. On January 1, a total of 42,411 tourists visited the Taj, including 39,647 Indians and 2,764 foreign tourists. The following days saw a reduction, with 33,822 tourists on January 2 and 31,392 on January 4.
The Impact of Maha Kumbh on Tourism
Once the Maha Kumbh began, the decline in tourist numbers became even more evident. On January 13 and 14, only 36,903 visitors came to see the Taj, which is a negligible figure for the peak tourist season. The Sangam bath at Prayagraj has become a priority for many visitors, overshadowing other tourist attractions like the Taj Mahal.
Expectations for Future Tourism
Despite the current decline, experts believe that the number of visitors to the Taj Mahal will rise again once the Maha Kumbh ends. Prince Vajpayee, a senior conservation assistant at the Taj Mahal, confirmed that the religious event has significantly influenced tourism patterns. It is hoped that as the event concludes, more tourists will return to the monument.
In summary, while the Kumbh Mela has temporarily diverted attention away from the Taj Mahal, tourism is expected to bounce back after the religious event’s conclusion.