Experiencing Mahakumbh 2025: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity

We were planning our trip to India during the winter vacation. Just as we were about to book the tickets, a friend reminded us of the Mahakumbh mela starting just around our planned return and he emphasized the rare, once-in-144-year planetary configuration that is going to happen this time. We thought for a moment and realized this is not even a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many and we are going to be so close to it, both in time and space so it makes perfect sense for us to be there. So we modified our plan. Despite several warnings from protective family members and ever-skeptical social media handles, we stood firm on experiencing this opportunity. This was going to be the first-ever Kumbh experience for both of us.

We always boast of being an adventurous couple and expert traveler. But to be honest, we were scared secretly, as we have heard several dark stories of gatherings like Kumbh and government-organized events. So we went there with a default plan of returning within 24 hours. However, experiencing the mela for the first few hours, seeing the arrangements done by the government and community organizations and after experiencing our place of stay,  we were pretty sure to stay there till 26th February. But soon we recalled that Akshay is still a corporate slave so we decided to return in 3-4 days. It was not enough to enjoy the entire Mela but was enough to intrigue us more about Indian heritage and way of life. Along with taking a dip in the Triveni Sangam (union of three rivers), we also experienced joy in the Sangam of Tradition and Modernity in other parts of the Mela. We also witnessed how the Sangam of a service-oriented Administration and a responsible Society can make hosting this gigantic gathering smooth. We took 25+ dips in Sangam. Walked roughly 15 km/day and used vehicles for another 10 km. While we visited several camps we spent significant time in ~10 camps. We were able to eat ice cream all 3 nights. Politely confronted 15+ rash drivers and compulsive honkers. 

Day 1: Getting to know and settling down

We reached Prayagraj Jn. in the afternoon and started walking towards our camp. This was a little struggle as not only we but the locals and police were also clueless about directions. But ice cream and views of pandals around the mela kept us moving. With roughly 6 km of almost random walk and 8 km of vehicle ride, we reached our ashram, a camp of Saints from Northeastern India. Our tent was well equipped with facilities for a comfortable stay, and a clean bathroom. All the volunteers were extremely caring and loving. Hygienic and delicious meals were always available on time. We spent the evening having meaningful conversations with saints and sanyasis, meeting old pals, and making new friends. 

Day 2: The Dip at Sangam

After having breakfast at the Ashram, we decided to walk to Sangam Ghat. We chose to walk to avoid getting stuck in traffic and also to stroll through the Mela. At Triveni Sangam, stepping into the cool waters with thousands of devotees was a magical moment. It is believed that this holy dip washes away sins and brings peace. And truly, despite the crowd, we experienced an unbelievable sense of calmness, which is hard to describe in words. A boat ride afterward bought us more time near the Sangam, making the experience even more memorable. By seeing the devotees of all backgrounds taking a dip together in the same place we realized how Kumbh is also a testament to one of the core ethos of Indian society, samatā (equal consideration towards all).

Day 3: Mela at large

Mahakumbh brings together saints, yogis, and other spiritual organizations from all over the world. So we decided to dedicate this day to stroll around the Mela and visit other camps. We met ash-covered Naga sadhus, who have renounced all worldly possessions, and wise gurus who shared their knowledge. Their words made us introspect. Several organizations displayed their heritage in the form of art, movies, tableaus, stage performances, book fairs, etc. There was so much knowledge to grasp. Everywhere we went, we could feel the energy and spirit of Mahakumbh.

Day 4: Departure

When departing, Gurus from our ashram gave us traditional northeastern gamcha (stole) as blessings. Two young sanyasini came to give us some snacks for the journey and when we said that we didn’t need it (we were reluctant to burden sanyasinis), they lovingly insisted “didi hum aapko aise jaane hi nahi denge (Sister, we won’t let you leave without this)”. These heartfelt gestures truly humbled us.

As we left Mahakumbh 2025, we realized Mahakumbh Mela is not merely a religious event; it is a manifestation of the magnanimity of Indian culture. It is a gathering that brings people together beyond borders. We came out with more than just memories with us. We felt connected to something bigger than ourselves. It helped us realize the power of faith and the beauty of tradition. It reminded us that life is temporary, but faith and knowledge are forever. We left with a promise to ourselves to return to the next Kumbh.

What Amazed Us

While the trip was full of surprises, sharing a few outstanding ones below.

The Service Oriented Administration

One of the most unexpected yet delightful experiences was the polite and helpful nature of the Uttar Pradesh Police. Instead of authoritatively enforcing rules, they were actively helping citizens. I recall when we got off our train and approached a Policeman for guidance to get to our camp, he immediately hung up his wife’s call in the middle and started explaining things to us patiently! Another instance was when a constable was telling us the wrong route (unintentionally) an inspector overheard it and jumped into the conversation to guide us. 

Our time at the Mela coincided with the Chief Minister of UP’s visit to oversee the arrangements. While he was moving through the city, traffic was managed unexpectedly smoothly, with minimal disruption and stopping the activities on the path for just 5-15 mins. 

We were part of a delegation from our camp that went to meet the Mela Officer (highest administrative official for the Kumbh). The meeting slot we got was at midnight!! and the level of activity in his office was like midday!!! The administration is truly working hard 24×7 in an unprecedented style.

Strength of a Responsible Society

Another aspect that left us in awe was the magnanimity of the arrangements made by society. Various organizations have set up grand, beautiful, and enlightening camps, providing spiritual knowledge along with entertainment and logistical arrangements for visitors. Numerous Bhandaras (loosely translates to free food distribution centers for all) were set up. Despite the massive scale, there was no compromise on quality, hygiene, and taste. To our surprise, even after eating at multiple Bhandaras, none of us fell sick. Bhandaras were another testament to the Indian value of samatā. People from all sorts of backgrounds were dining together like a huge family eating the same food.

Despite the huge gathering, we didn’t see much chaos being created by citizens, barring a couple of exceptions (which were also resolved gracefully).

There was a fire in one of the camps in sector 19 of the Mela City, which was controlled quickly, with no loss of life, while we were returning after our dip. However, there were no rumors or uneasiness about it in other parts of Mela City at all. Surprisingly, we learned about it from our anxious family watching TV at home!

What Could Be Improved Administratively

There is not even an iota of doubt that Mahakumbh 2025 is an extremely well-organized event. However, there is always scope of making things even better. Sharing a few suggestions from our experience:

• Better Signage: To avoid over-walking due to directionlessness, large maps must be installed at several spots in the city and police should be trained with the city layout.

• Traffic Control: Speed limits and honking restrictions should be enforced for pedestrian safety.

• Fair Pricing: Clearly visible display boards of government-determined rates for boats should be installed to prevent overcharging. After enduring long journeys and logistical challenges, the hyped-up boat cost force stopped many devotees just a few hundred meters away from the Triveni Sangam. The same should apply to taxis and auto-rickshaws to ensure fair pricing.

• Improved Transport: Better transport facilities for the elderly and disabled.