The confluence of faith and devotion, Maha Kumbh, has completed one month, attracting millions of devotees to Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. While the event is a significant spiritual gathering, it has also become a lucrative opportunity for brands to advertise and market their products. Many fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies, such as Hindustan Unilever (HUL), Britannia Industries, Amul, Dabur, and ITC, have taken advantage of the event to showcase their brands.
According to Vritti Mindwave Media, the official advertising licensee, FMCG companies have been investing in various branding, marketing, and CSR activities. HUL, for instance, has participated in various activations, including distributing bags with two compartments to women bathing at the Ganga river and running anamorphic advertisements on vans and billboards. Dabur has introduced Pass Pass, Pulse, and Catch-branded boats, bags, and kalashes for pilgrims.
The cost of brand activation at Maha Kumbh varies, with costs ranging from Rs 5-10 lakh for CSR activities and Rs 3-5 lakh for producing an anamorphic video. FMCG giants have also used high-profile LED displays at Prayagraj railway station to reach pilgrims, with brands paying upwards of Rs 1.5-2 lakh for a single spot.
Brands have also adopted creative measures to engage with pilgrims, such as ITC’s distribution of 1 lakh Mangaldeep jalbattis and Adani Fortune Foods’ introduction of “Ahar Kumbh” to bring the flavors of home-cooked food to pilgrims. Reckitt-owned Dettol has trained 15,000 sanitation workers and made soaps accessible to them at the Kumbh.
The Confederation of All Indian Traders estimates that Maha Kumbh will generate Rs 2 lakh crore in business over 45 days, with the food and beverages sector and religious offerings contributing Rs 20,000 crore each. With its massive scale and reach, Maha Kumbh has become an attractive platform for brands to connect with a large number of people and promote their products.