Pintu Mahara's Remarkable Earnings at Prayagraj Maha Kumbh: Tax Implications Explained
Pintu Mahara's Earnings from the Maha Kumbh
Pintu Mahara from Prayagraj has reportedly amassed an impressive Rs 30 crore in just 45 days during the Maha Kumbh, leading to significant tax obligations.
Following the conclusion of the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh, a boatman has captured public attention due to his remarkable earnings. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath revealed that this boatman operated 130 boats, generating an average daily income of Rs 23 lakh. This raises the question of the tax he will owe on such a substantial income, which far exceeds the annual salary of many corporate CEOs.
Pintu Mahara, the boatman in question, earned Rs 30 crore by providing boat rides during the Maha Kumbh. With this income, he is now subject to income tax. However, taxable income is determined after accounting for expenses. Here, we will focus on the income tax applicable to his total earnings.
Income exceeding Rs 15 lakh falls into the 30% tax bracket. According to the income tax calculator from the Income Tax Department, Pintu Mahara's tax liability on his Rs 30 crore income is approximately Rs 12,79,64,850, which rounds to Rs 12 crore 80 lakh.
Tax Calculation After Expenses
The total income tax amounts to Rs 8,98,12,500, with a surcharge of Rs 3,32,30,625 and a health and education cess of Rs 49,21,725. When combined, the total tax liability is around Rs 12 crore 80 lakh.
Taxable income is calculated by subtracting expenses from total income. If Pintu Mahara reports his income as Rs 20 crore after expenses, his tax liability would then be Rs 8.52 crore (8,52,20,850).
How Pintu Mahara Achieved His Earnings
To prepare for the Maha Kumbh, Pintu Mahara constructed 70 boats, financing this venture through a bank loan and by mortgaging his jewelry. The UP Chief Minister noted that he operated 130 boats, earning an average profit of Rs 23 lakh during the event.
With 130 boats at his disposal, each boat generated approximately Rs 23 lakh over the 45-day period, translating to daily earnings of around Rs 50,000-52,000. Pintu employed over 300 workers to assist him.
Maha Kumbh: A Lucrative Opportunity
The Maha Kumbh is not only a significant religious event but also a major source of income and employment for countless individuals. Various service providers, from laborers to artists, capitalized on the influx of millions of devotees, significantly boosting their businesses. Below are some of the services that contributed to substantial earnings:
1. Transport Services
The demand for autos, taxis, e-rickshaws, and buses surged during the Maha Kumbh. Boat drivers also had ample opportunities to transport passengers to the ghats.
Auto and taxi drivers – ₹3,000-₹5,000 per day
Bus and tourist vehicle drivers – ₹5,000-₹10,000 per day
Boat drivers – ₹2,000-₹4,000 per day
2. Food and Tea Stalls
During Kumbh Melas in locations like Haridwar and Prayagraj, food and drink vendors cater to the needs of millions. Temporary dhabas and tea stalls can generate significant income during this period.
Dhaba owners – ₹10,000-₹50,000 per day (depending on location and crowd)
Tea and pakora sellers – ₹3,000-₹7,000 per day
Sweets and thandai sellers – ₹5,000-₹15,000 per day
3. Temporary Accommodation and Dharamshalas
Pilgrims often seek lodging in hotels, Dharamshalas, and tent cities, leading to a boom in the temporary accommodation sector.
Tent rentals (ordinary) – ₹500-₹2,000 per night
Hotels and Dharamshalas – ₹2,000-₹10,000 per night
Temporary lodge owners – ₹50,000-₹5 lakh per month
4. Religious Clothing and Worship Material Sellers
During the Maha Kumbh, there is a high demand for religious clothing, worship materials, Rudraksha, Gangajal, and idols.
Worship material sellers – ₹3,000-₹10,000 per day
Rudraksha and religious clothing sellers – ₹5,000-₹15,000 per day
5. Bathing and Ghat Services
Special services for bathing during the Maha Kumbh also provide locals with a lucrative income.
Masseurs – ₹500 per customer
Photographers – ₹2,000-₹7,000 per day
6. Cleaning and Administrative Services
Local governments and organizations hire temporary workers for cleaning and security roles.
Sweepers – ₹500-₹1,000 per day
Private security guards – ₹1,000-₹2,500 per day
7. Ayurveda, Yoga, and Astrology Services
The Maha Kumbh also sees a thriving market for traditional medicine, astrology, and yoga.
Traditional healers – ₹2,000-₹8,000 per day
Astrologers and priests – ₹5,000-₹20,000 per day (higher earnings for special rituals)
8. Entertainment and Cultural Programs
Cultural and religious events during the Maha Kumbh provide artists with opportunities to showcase their talents and earn income.
Folk artists and musicians – ₹5,000-₹50,000 per performance
9. Online and Digital Services
Content creators on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram can also profit from covering the Maha Kumbh.
YouTube vloggers – ₹10,000-₹1 lakh per video (depending on views and sponsorship)
Online hotel booking and travel agencies – ₹50,000-₹5 lakh per month
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