UPI kardo: From mandir to baraat, there’s a QR code for everything in India

UPI has crossed 55 crore users in India, with annual transaction volume growing from 2 crore in FY 2016-17 to over 24,162 crore in FY 2025-26.

QR codes are appearing in unconventional places: dholwalas attach QR codes to drums for cashless payments at weddings.

Temples are accepting dakshina via UPI, and some have QR codes at prasad counters and for donations.

A viral video showed a father of the bride wearing a QR code for cashless shagun (blessings) at a wedding.

Street performers have also started using QR codes to accept payments silently.