The Secret Economy That Makes India So Interested in the Unseen
India’s long-standing relationship with faith has, over time, quietly given rise to one of its most mysterious and unregulated shadow economies. Consequently, a parallel market driven by fear, faith, and luck has emerged. This Black-Magic Empire, as it is sometimes called, sees the black magic industry valued between ₹30,000 crore and ₹50,000 crore.
This economy operates in the shadows — it is not recorded, not taxed, and yet it thrives.
The Shadow Market of Belief: Superstition That Sells
Superstition, therefore, not only persists in India but also flourishes as a profitable business. From whispered curses to costly “negative energy” rituals, fear has become one of the country’s most lucrative commodities.
More importantly, godmen, babas, and tantrics no longer operate solely from dark ashrams. Instead, they market their “solutions,” which include black magic removal, soul cleansing, and astrology-based healing, as premium health services.
In addition, families in Mumbai and Meerut pay anywhere from ₹15,000 to ₹1.5 lakh for “curse removal.” Meanwhile, WhatsApp and Instagram ads offer quick solutions starting at ₹5,000. These digital spells and oracle services often promise “guaranteed results in 24 hours.” Thus, ancient fears are transformed into algorithm-driven profits.
The Numbers That Reflect a Dark Reality
An investigation by India TV, which received the RedInk Award, revealed that the combined “godmen and occult” economy exceeds ₹40,000 crore.
Furthermore, Maharashtra alone spends over ₹1,200 crore annually on occult consultations.
In addition, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reports more than 2,000 murders in the last decade. These are linked to witchcraft, ritual killings, or occult practices.
Experts suggest that these numbers could potentially be ten times higher. Many cases remain hidden in rural settlements and village panchayats.
Why This ₹50,000-Crore Business Remains Hidden
This faith economy is unlike most black markets because it operates openly, without taxes or regulation.
Transactions are often disguised as “puja donations” or “energy cleansing fees,” enabling a level of secrecy that facilitates untraceable dealings. Because there are no GST receipts or audits, this unregulated industry continues to flourish in plain sight.
Sociologists describe this phenomenon as a “parallel faith economy,” where devotion becomes a weapon. Moreover, fear is converted into monetary gain. Put simply, it’s a system that blends religion with commerce.
Digitization Amplifies the Tantra Economy
Contrary to popular belief, superstition has not diminished in the digital age; instead, it has gone online, expanding globally. Over 1,000 YouTube channels, Telegram groups, and Instagram profiles now promote “evil-eye reversal,” “energy alignment,” and “astro-tantra solutions.”
Many of these platforms accept UPI payments and feature client testimonials. They operate on subscription models. As a result, spiritual anxiety has been transformed into an e-commerce enterprise. This is reminiscent of a new India where faith is contagious and fear is a lucrative business.
From Myth to Screen: Cinema Reflects a Hidden Trade
The upcoming film Jatadhara, produced by Zee Studios and directed by Venkat Kalyan, is set to release on November 7, 2025. It uses myth and metaphor to shed light on this hidden empire. Its supernatural character, Dhan Pisach, symbolizes greed disguised as religious devotion.
In addition, the film blurs the line between faith and social critique. It illustrates how ancient rituals can evolve into modern exploitation. It turns folklore into a potent commentary on India’s billion-dollar superstition economy.
The True Cost of Blind Faith
Although India’s spiritual diversity remains a cultural pride, unchecked mysticism can swiftly transform into a commercial enterprise. As a result, even devotion comes with a price.
For every temple that offers hope, there’s a self-proclaimed godman thriving on despair. Likewise, for every ritual of faith, there’s a transaction of fear.
In the end, until the ₹50,000-crore black magic industry is regulated and held accountable, the real demons won’t rely solely on dark arts. They will use money as their most powerful weapon.
