Pintu Mallah’s story is a testament to the power of faith, determination, and calculated risk-taking. His journey from financial hardship to newfound prosperity through the Maha Kumbh is nothing short of extraordinary. What started as a desperate gamble—mortgaging his mother’s jewellery to expand his fleet of boats—turned into a phenomenal success story that even caught the attention of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who highlighted it in the state Assembly as an inspiring example of perseverance and entrepreneurship.
Months before the Maha Kumbh, as discussions about the massive religious gathering gained momentum, Pintu began to recognize an unprecedented opportunity. He understood that the influx of crores of pilgrims would mean a soaring demand for boat rides to the Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. However, he also realized that the small fleet of boats he and his family owned would not be enough to take full advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Despite his mother’s initial reluctance, fearing that the investment would be a waste and that their financial condition could worsen if things did not go as planned, Pintu remained firm in his belief. He passionately pleaded with his family, assuring them that this bold move could transform their lives. His unwavering conviction eventually convinced his mother to part with her cherished jewellery to raise capital for the expansion.
With unshakable faith in his vision, Pintu and his family took the leap, building and acquiring 130 boats to prepare for what they hoped would be the busiest and most financially rewarding Maha Kumbh of their lifetime. Their efforts were not in vain. When the Maha Kumbh officially commenced on January 13, the streets and ghats of Prayagraj overflowed with millions of devotees, eager to perform the sacred ritual of taking a dip in the holy waters of the Sangam. The demand for boats skyrocketed, and Pintu’s fleet became an indispensable part of the religious experience.
Each day, their boats transported thousands of pilgrims across the sacred waters. The spiritual energy was palpable, with people chanting prayers and offering heartfelt donations. While the government had set a fixed fare of ₹483 per person for a boat ride from the Kidganj Boat Club to the Sangam, many pilgrims, deeply moved by the experience, voluntarily paid far beyond the official fare. Some offered ₹2,000, ₹5,000, and even more as a gesture of gratitude.
Defending the boatmen against allegations of overcharging, Pintu explained, “People come here not just to take, but also to give. They donate money out of devotion. This is not about business alone—it is about serving the devotees and the faith they have in the holy Ganga.” With boats collectively earning over ₹50,000 per day, the family’s earnings quickly surged beyond their wildest expectations.
By the time the Maha Kumbh concluded on February 26, Pintu and his family had amassed nearly ₹30 crore in revenue. What was once an existence marked by financial struggles had transformed into a life of security and prosperity. All debts were cleared, and his mother’s jewelry was reclaimed, marking an emotional moment for the family.
When Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath publicly praised Pintu’s extraordinary achievement in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, the family was overwhelmed with pride. “We never imagined that our name would be mentioned in such a grand forum. It is not just a moment of personal pride, but a recognition for all the boatmen of Prayagraj,” Pintu said, his voice filled with emotion.
However, despite their newfound wealth, Pintu and his family have no intention of abandoning their ancestral trade. Instead, they now dream of expanding further, investing in motorboats, and enhancing the boating experience for future Kumbh Melas.
Their deep-rooted connection to the river remains unchanged. “Maa Ganga has given us everything. She has blessed us beyond our imagination. We were born here, and we will live and die here,” Pintu said, bowing his head in reverence. For him, the sacred river is more than just a source of livelihood—it is a divine force that has rewritten his destiny.
