The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated Rs 4,200 crore towards the Kumbh Mela, according to a PTI report, which is more than three times the budget set for the last one in 2013. The mega pilgrimage event held in Allahabad (Prayagraj) this year could be the costliest ever in 2019. In 2013, the state government had spent Rs 1,300 on the Maha Kumbh.

The allocation of funds by the state government is separate from that provided by other departments. PTI also reported that the area allocated for the event is doubled to 3,200 hectares in comparison to 1,600 hectares for the previous Melas.

Kumbh Mela, which was renamed as the Maha Kumbh by the present Yogi Adityanath government, comes once every 12 years. Ardh Kumbh, that comes once every 6 years, was renamed as Kumbh Mela. The Mela is a mass pilgrimage of the Hindu faith who gather to bathe in the sacred rivers. It is the largest public religious gathering and act of faith anywhere in the world.