The Kumbh Mela That I Saw

The Kumbh Mela, which began on 13 January 2025 and runs until 26 February 2025, has been recognized as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. 

The Uttar Pradesh government estimates that more than 45 crore people will attend this Maha Kumbh. Yes, you read that right, crores! To put that into perspective, this number is roughly equal to the combined population of the United States and Mexico.

In just six days, over seven crore devotees have already taken a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam. On Makar Sankranti alone, 3.5 crore people took the Amrit Snan. And on Mauni Amavasya (29 January), a jaw-dropping 10 crore people are expected to take the holy dip.

Anyways, you must be thinking, how massive this Maha Kumbh Mela could be?

Let me throw some numbers at you:

Area: 4,000 hectares

Tents: 160,000

Police and security officials: 40,000

Sanitation workers: 15,000

Parking lots: 99 (for over half a million vehicles)

Floating pontoon bridges: 30

Streetlights: 67,000

Toilets: 150,000

Bins: 25,000

Water ATMs: 200

Tube wells: 85

The beauty of Kumbh Mela lies in its inclusivity. People from all castes, creeds, sects, and religions can visit and experience this once in a lifetime opportunity. National boundaries? They don't matter here. Everyone gathers, takes a holy dip in the holy Ganga, and Yamuna and prays to the Almighty. 

My Observations and Tips for Visitors

The government has done a phenomenal job with arrangements, but let us face it, when you are dealing with crowds this size, expect delays. For instance, a 5–6 km e-rickshaw or an auto ride can stretch into a one-hour crawl. But hey, there's always someone to help. These drivers know their way around, and if you are unsure, just ask the police officers stationed throughout. They might look intimidating, but trust me, they're helpful.

If you're coming from Prayagraj Railway Station or the bus stand, e-rickshaws, autos, and other vehicles are available. However, due to the sheer number of people, many choose to walk. My advice is to stop complaining and embrace the journey. Pilgrimages are about enduring a bit of hardship, after all. But don't go overboard, use the facilities where possible.

Beware of These Challenges

The roads are lined with metal plates to ease movement for us and the vehicles on sand, but be careful of the edges, they can cause nasty cuts if you are not paying attention.

Keep an eye on your footwear. I lost mine, and so did my friend. In the rush, someone might accidentally grab your shoes, only to drop them later when they realize their mistake. We didn't have time to wait, so we continued barefoot. It is all part of the adventure!

At times, even auto or e-rickshaw drivers are unsure about which pontoon bridge will be closed at a given time. The officers manage everything based on real-time data about the crowd and the movement of devotees. Therefore, don't hesitate to get down and ask for information to guide the driver and help reach your destination more quickly.

Experience the Akharas

Many saints and sadhus set up camps or akharas for devotees. Here, you can partake in prasadam (blessed food) and rest for a while. These camps are spiritual hubs where you can learn, interact, and soak in the divine energy.

The Auspicious Days for a Holy Dip

While you can bathe any day during the festival, six days are particularly auspicious:

13 January: Paush Purnima

14 January: Makar Sankranti

29 January: Mauni Amavasya

3 February: Basant Panchami

12 February: Magh Purnima

26 February: Maha Shivaratri

Of these, 14 January, 29 January, and 3 February are designated as Shahi Snan (royal bath) days when the Naga sadhus take their holy dip. The largest gathering is expected on 29 January, with an estimated 50–60 million worshippers taking to the waters.

We traveled for 7–8 hours by bus and got off at Samayamayi Mandir, Kachar Parking. From there, we took an e-rickshaw to the Mela. Around 9 a.m., we took our holy dip near the Shri Nagvasuki Temple.

Final Thoughts

The Kumbh Mela is not just an event, it is an experience. Listen to stories, interact with people, and immerse yourself in the spirituality of it all. Sure, there will be challenges, but that's part of the charm. Witnessing this grand congregation of humanity is a privilege.

So, pack your bags, embrace the chaos, and experience the Kumbh Mela with your own eyes. Trust me, it is worth it.

---

Thank you for reading! Here are a few more interesting reads that could make a meaningful difference.

If you enjoy my articles or have any suggestions, feel free to share your thoughts and give hearts as a token of appreciation!