As the grand Mahakumbh 2025 unfolds in Prayagraj, millions of pilgrims from across the country have gathered at the sacred Triveni Sangam. Amidst the sea of devotees, saints, and vendors, one man has brewed his way to success – the ‘Kumbh Chaiwala.’ Known for his humble tea stall that now attracts hundreds of customers daily, he is earning a remarkable profit of ₹5,000 every day.
This is the story of Ramesh Yadav, a small tea seller whose earnings have soared thanks to the massive footfall at the Mahakumbh, transforming his daily routine into a tale of entrepreneurial triumph.
From a Small Stall to a Kumbh Success Story
Ramesh, 38, hails from a nearby village in Uttar Pradesh. For over a decade, he has been running a modest tea stall in Prayagraj. But it is during the Kumbh Mela that his fortunes take a significant turn. With millions converging on the city for this once-in-12-years spiritual gathering, demand for basic refreshments like tea skyrockets.
Anticipating the massive crowd, Ramesh strategically set up his stall near one of the busiest pathways leading to the Sangam ghat. With his signboard proudly displaying “Kumbh Chaiwala,” he has quickly become a familiar face to devotees seeking a quick break with a hot cup of tea.
A Simple Cup with a Special Touch
What sets Ramesh’s tea apart is his unique preparation style. He uses freshly crushed ginger, cardamom, and a pinch of saffron in his chai, giving it a rich aroma and soothing taste—perfect for tired pilgrims after long walks and holy dips in the chilly river waters.
His tea is priced affordably at ₹10 per cup, making it accessible to both common pilgrims and wandering sadhus. On an average day during Mahakumbh, he sells over 700 cups, raking in around ₹7,000 in revenue, with a daily profit of approximately ₹5,000 after covering his expenses.
Winning Hearts, One Cup at a Time
The popularity of the ‘Kumbh Chaiwala’ is not merely due to his tea; it is his warm personality and welcoming smile that win people over. Pilgrims often share their spiritual experiences with him while sipping their chai, turning his small stall into a hub of conversations and laughter.
“I come here every day after my bath at the Sangam. His tea gives me energy, and the friendly atmosphere is a bonus,” said a devotee from Madhya Pradesh. Another visitor from Gujarat praised Ramesh’s hospitality, noting that he offers free cups of tea to elderly saints and poor pilgrims who cannot afford to pay.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Running a tea stall at an event as large as Mahakumbh is not without challenges. Ramesh wakes up at 3 AM daily to prepare his ingredients and secure his spot before the rush begins. Water supply issues, fluctuating prices of milk and sugar, and managing waste disposal are constant hurdles.
However, Ramesh views these as part of his journey. “The crowd is huge, and sometimes it’s exhausting, but this is also a blessing. Mahakumbh brings us opportunities we don’t get every day. I am grateful,” he shared.
An Inspiration to Small Entrepreneurs
Ramesh’s story is a testament to the power of seizing the right opportunity and serving with passion. In a place where millions come seeking divine blessings, his success story serves as a reminder that faith and hard work can transform lives.
Beyond profits, the ‘Kumbh Chaiwala’ has found something more valuable – recognition and respect. Devotees often click pictures with him, and some even refer to his tea as “prasad” after their spiritual dip.
Looking Beyond the Kumbh
As Mahakumbh 2025 continues, Ramesh hopes to save enough to expand his tea business after the event. He dreams of opening a permanent tea shop in Prayagraj with the name “Kumbh Chaiwala,” turning his temporary success into a lasting legacy.
For now, as the sun rises over the holy Sangam and the crowd swells, Ramesh continues to pour his heart into every cup—proving that sometimes, a simple cup of chai can brew the sweetest success.
