Spiritual apps targeting Indian diaspora expand internationally

Devotional apps like AppsForBharat, Vama.App, and Utsav are growing rapidly, especially among the Indian diaspora. These apps offer digital rituals and e-commerce services to help users feel connected to their faith from anywhere in the world. The recent Maha Kumbh festival has boosted interest in these platforms. Vama.App plans to expand into the US, UK, and Canada in the next few months. The company also aims to enter markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia later. Co-founder Manu Jain noted that these apps allow users to stay updated on spiritual events, such as live streaming and religious discussions. AppsForBharat, which operates the Sri Mandir platform, is also reaching out to devotees in several countries, including the UK, Australia, and Canada. The Bengaluru-based company plans to grow in regions with many non-resident Indians (NRIs) like Singapore and South Africa. Jain mentioned that the company anticipates that international users will contribute significantly to future revenues. The Maha Kumbh attracted countless devotees, leading to a surge in users for these apps. Sri Mandir saw around 20,000 participants from around the world during the festival. Co-founder Prashant Sachan emphasized that devotion transcends geography and that their service helps maintain spiritual connections. DevDham, another devotional platform, reported a 50% increase in revenue during the Kumbh. Their user base includes customers from the US, UK, and UAE. Co-founder Pranav Kapoor noted that these regions account for a significant share of their earnings. Utsav is also expanding its services and recently raised funds to support its growth. Co-founder Ankita De highlighted the demand for trusted partners who can facilitate religious offerings and deliveries of sacred items. Overall, the growth of these spiritual apps underscores a rising trend where technology meets faith, helping people stay connected to their spiritual roots, regardless of their location.