The opportunity to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela, which occurs only once every 144 years, Once-in-a-lifetime experience that I couldn't pass up. This grand event, renowned as the largest gathering of pilgrims in the world, is a chance to immerse oneself in spiritual purification and communal devotion. Little did I know that this trip in February 2025 would become a profound chapter in my life.
The Journey Begins
On the eve of Sankranti, I returned to my hometown for the celebrations, where my father expressed his desire to attend the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. He suggested that I apply for Tatkal tickets, as the regular tickets were in a waiting list. I tried my best to secure Tatkal tickets but was unable to succeed. As a result, my father's plans changed, and he ultimately decided not to go to Prayagraj. Upon returning to Hyderabad from my Sankranti vacation, I began to hear the buzz and excitement surrounding the trending Maha Kumbh Mela. Little did I know that my manager, Ram, would later ask me if I had plans to attend the Mela. I consented to go with him, and soon the entire team joined in, with Avinash, Sonali, and Yehwanth excited to accompany us.
Our plan: Travel on February 22nd and 23rd, 2025. We booked our flights from Hyderabad to Delhi and then made arrangements to travel by bus to Prayagraj. However, the news reports warned of heavy traffic and bus cancellations, so we started searching for alternatives.
Fortunately, my uncle came to the rescue and arranged for an Ertiga car for us. Our neighbor Siva also decided to join us, so we booked him a ticket as well. Despite some last-minute hesitations (Avinash had a newborn), it was finally just Ram, Yeshwanth, Siva, and me setting out on this adventure.
Day of Departure
On the morning of February 22nd, we booked a cab from my apartment to Hyderabad International Airport. Arriving by 6:30 AM, we checked in and had a wonderful chat while waiting for our flight, which took off on time and landed in Delhi at 10:30 AM.
Ram had a plan to visit Baba Bhaironath Temple, where he wished to offer liquor in gratitude for resolving some ongoing court issues. After navigating the Delhi Metro, we reached Pragati Maidan, where our driver Lalith was waiting. We rushed to the temple and made it just before it closed, receiving blessings that invigorated our spirits.
The Road to Prayagraj
After a quick chat outside the temple, we resumed our journey. We made a brief stop in Noida to visit Ram's friend who is doing his PhD and enjoyed some tea. Continuing onward, we stopped for lunch at Shiv Dhaba, relishing delicious North Indian cuisine.
However, the road became treacherous due to heavy traffic. We eventually reached Kanpur around 11 PM, made a dinner stop, and battled through one last rush that held our progress for two full hours. By 7 AM, we were merely 12 kilometers from Prayagraj, where we had to park our vehicle and start the final leg of our journey on foot or by bike.
Kumbh Mela: This grand festival takes place every 12 years at four different locations and attracts millions of pilgrims for the ritualistic significance of bathing in sacred rivers to cleanse sins and attain salvation. The sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati at Triveni Sangam is where many come to purify their souls.
Triveni Sangam
Faced with the choice of walking or taking a bike, we decided to hire bikes at a charge of 400-500 rupees per person. After a 40-minute ride, we finally set our sights on the sacred Ghat, where Ram's idea of taking a boat to Triveni Sangam materialized.
Despite initial difficulties finding the right path, we eventually got to the boat club. After some bargaining, we hired a boat for a hefty price due to the rush. However, the experience of bathing in the Ganga was beyond words—it felt like fulfilling a lifelong dream.
After our sacred bathing at Sangam, we received a call about a darshan opportunity in Ayodhya, so we planned to rush there. Following a long ride back to the parking area (marked by heavy traffic and a frustrating delay), we decided that Ayodhya might not be achievable and opted for Vrindavan as our next destination.
Vrindavan: The Birthplace of Krishna
Arriving in Vrindavan at 3 AM, we checked into a hotel Ram had arranged. After resting, we headed out to visit the birthplace of Lord Krishna at the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple. The atmosphere was electric, filled with divine energy despite the queues. This temple is significant not only for its historical relevance but also for its devotion, marking the origins of Lord Krishna's life.
Following this, we visited Dwarkadhish Temple, near the banks of the Yamuna. After receiving blessings here, we made our way toward Mathura, intent on visiting the Banke Bihari Mandir. We nearly missed the closing time, but with divine intervention, we made it just in time, feeling grateful for the experience.
Historical Significance of Temples
Krishna Janmabhoomi: Located in Mathura, this temple is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna, a significant figure in Hindu mythology known for his divine play and philosophical teachings in the Bhagavad Gita.
Dwarkadhish Temple: This temple in Vrindavan is dedicated to Lord Krishna, showcasing exquisite architecture and beautiful celebrations immersed in devotion.
Banke Bihari Mandir: Located in Vrindavan, this shrine is famed for its incredible ambiance, drawing in devotees who seek connection with Krishna through devotion and song.
Journey’s End
After a fulfilling series of experiences, we finally returned to the airport by 5 PM to catch our flight back to Hyderabad, which was slightly delayed. Arriving home at 1 AM, we all shared tales of the moments we had witnessed together—filled with memories of the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the spirituality of our journey.
This trip to Kumbh Mela and the sacred sites around it filled our hearts with joy, peace, and a sense of unity with our shared heritage. The experiences we gathered together have left an indelible mark on our lives, one that we hope to pass down through generations.
