Last Updated on Jan 21, 2025 by Leave a Comment
The Kumbh Mela is a grand religious ritual that attract millions of people (not only from India but from across the globe) with faith deeply ingrained in Hindu culture and sectorial diversion. The cultural festival comprising gargantuan human gathering, is lived in antiquity and comes after the time period of 12 years respectively, especially as Jupiter (Brihaspati) makes the journey into Aquarius (Kumbha Rashi) while the Sun gets into Aries (Mesha Rashi). This exclusive planetary arrangement is auspicious forming the podium for spiritual activities.
The year 2025 will see Kumbh Mela with colossal gathering at Prayagraj (erstwhile called as Allahabad) the point of confluence of the holy rivers Yamuna, Saraswati and the Ganges at Triveni Sangam. It is alleged that the Maha Kumbh of 2025 would see a whopping congregation (approximately 40 Crores). The reason for such a huge gathering relates to overwhelming interest of pilgrims in spirituality and Sanatan Dharma, which is regarded as the basis of peace and reverence.
The year 2025 has seen huge numbers of pilgrims as well as YouTubers from South Korea, Japan, Spain, Russia, apart from the United States. The travel advisory published by respective countries aims at prepping-up for the Kumbh Mela and this includes taking precautions with regard to health, logistics, cultural sensitivity and prevailing weather conditions. On the pious occasion of the world’s largest congregation, pilgrims from across the world will come across the Yogis, Aghoris and Naga Sadhus performing unique rituals.
Foreign delegations from as many as 10 Nations have traveled to witness the gargantuan gathering that has emerged as super-human and more godly-like phenomena. In a simple statement, the Maha Kumbh Mela of 2025 is truly a treasured experience with scope for a metaphysical experience for everyone.
Kumbh Congregation is an age-old tradition, dating back to 7th Century, as recorded by the well-known Chinese Traveler - Hiuen Tsang. The origin of Kumbh Mela is believed to be deep rooted in Hindu Mythology on the account of Samudra Manthan where according to Hindu legends, Gods (devas) and Demons (asuras) churn the ocean to get Amrita (Elixir of Life). According to the folklore, while there was struggle for possessing Amrita, a few drops overflowed at Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. These are the four divine destinations where Kumbh Mela is organized alternatively every 12 Years.
Pilgrims travel to Kumbh Mela and undertake holy bathing to purge himself or herself from sins and lead the path to Moksha. Once Moksha is attained, the soul is liberated from the vicious cycle of birth and death. Dipping in Triveni Sangam is the way to spiritual purification and transformation. The congregation is a mystical moment to indulge in accomplishment of religious rituals. The sanctified podium is also seen as the means to seek the blessings from the Sadhus and Spiritual Leaders belonging to different sects. An entirely mystical and spiritual atmosphere is created from congregation of the ascetics, who otherwise live aloof from the mundane world.
Makar Sankranti: 14th January 2025 | Basant Panchami: 3rd February 2025 |
Paush Purnima: 13th January 2025 | Maghi Purnima: 12th February 2025 |
Mauni Amavasya: 29th January 2025 | Mahashivratri: 26th February 2025 |
The Maha Kumbh Mela is supported by several rituals and league of ceremonies, with Shahi Snan (Royal Bath) have special prominence. The Shahi Snan is undertaken by Sadhus and Saints, who proceed to the spot in kaleidoscope cavalcade, as the part of major procession. Shahi Snan is carried out on the basis of planetary alignments on auspicious date. In overall scenario, the grand procession backed by beating of drums, shrill sounds and enchanting of Vedic hymns, is seemingly nothing less than remarkable sight for the onlookers.
Besides Shahi Snan, Maha Kumbh is one of the prominent centers of several rituals closely associated with Sanatan Dharma. These include:
The Maha Kumbh Mela is an appropriate time when the pilgrims and travelers in general involve themselves in philosophy oriented discursive practices. On the account of this huge religious congregation, Prayagraj turns into a makeshift site with pilgrims living a nice time in a spiritual recluse.
International Airports in the USA | Vaccinations |
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John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) |
Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap), Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), Polio, Anti-Malarial Dose, Rabies (for those who might be in close contact with animals), Influenza (seasonal) |
Toiletries and Miscellany: It is highly suggestible and recommended to carry Hand Sanitizer and Wet Wipes, Insect Repellent, Reusable Water Bottle, high-SPF sunscreen and Hat, Portable Charger, and Small Backpack or Bag. The travelers and pilgrims should also have basic first-aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, apart from everything else the over-the-counter medicines for maladies such as mild headaches or stomachache |
There are direct flights from these international airports in the USA to New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Kolkata. Pilgrims and travelers can then take connecting flight to Prayagraj Airport (IXD). Furthermore, pilgrims can also choose the option of flying to Varanasi (Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, VNS) or Lucknow (Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, LKO) and then rent either a taxi or book the seat on train run by Indian Railways to reach Prayagraj comfortably.
Flights from the USA | International Airlines | Duration of the Flight |
---|---|---|
To New Delhi | Air India, United Airlines, Air Canada | Approximately 14-16 hours for non-stop flights. |
To Mumbai | Air India, United Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways (with a layover) | Approximately 16-18 hours for non-stop flights. |
To Bengaluru | Air India, United Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways (with a layover) | Approximately 19-21 hours for one-stop flights. |
Note: Flights to Prayagraj (IXD) originate from New Delhi and Mumbai. There are domestic airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara that offer direct flights to Prayagraj Airport. Regular flights from Mumbai originate with layover in New Delhi.
Name of the Train | Details |
---|---|
Prayagraj Express | Directly connects Kolkata to Prayagraj |
Duronto Express | Directly connects New Delhi to Prayagraj |
Magadh Express | Directly connects Kolkata to Prayagraj |
Note: Visit https://www.irctc.co.in/nget/train-search
Pilgrims can look out for the Sleeper, AC 3-Tier, AC 2-Tier, and First Class AC depending on their requirements.
Travel Documents
Travelers flying from the USA to Prayagraj requires a valid travel visa or the tourist visa. The prospective traveler can apply for the visa through e-Visa portal. The application process requires filing of online application form along with the most resent passport size photograph. The applied visa fee should be paid online. The traveler should provide valid Email on which the confirmation is received.
Valid Passport with at least 2 Blank Pages for Visa Stamping |
Emergency Contact Information which also includes local contact information, address of the USA Embassy and the information about the friends back in the home country. |
eVisa Approval |
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Travel Insurance to offer coverage of medical emergencies, trip cancelations, and lost luggage. |
Types of Accommodation | Details |
---|---|
Hotels | Budget to luxury hotels is available. Make sure that you book the accommodation in advance of your pilgrimage. |
Tents | Elementary to luxurious camping in makeshift tents offers a great experience. |
Ashrams | Live one of its kind spiritual experiences in ashrams with the yogis and sadhus. The accommodation offers basic amenities. |
Homestays | Rent an accommodation and stay with locals and imbibe the cultural experience that is extremely unique. |
Area | Benefit |
---|---|
In the proximity of Triveni Sangam | Pilgrims will gain easy access to the main site for holy bath. |
Civil Lines | The central area popular for superior quality hotels, best restaurants and good transportation facilities. |
Mela Camps | Keep your connection to the Maha Kumbh Mela and be the part of the congregation. |
The religious congregation is extremely huge with intermingling of individuals belonging to different sects. Pilgrims hailing from different parts of the USA and other countries should therefore maintain goodwill gesture with the locals and religious communities in order to create a completely immersive atmosphere altogether.
Principal Local Dialects for Addressing and Beginning the Conversation
Hi/Hello/Hola: Namaskar/Namaste by joining the Hands |
Good Morning: Shubh Prabhaat |
Please: “Kripya” |
Excuse Me/Sorry: “Maaf kijiye” |
Thank You: “Dhanyavaad” or “Shukriya” |
Good Night: Shubh Ratri |
Meal: Bhojan |
Water: Pani |
Remain patient and offer space to others. |
Do not touch or take in possession religious artifacts. |
Do not indulge in confabulation. |
Respect the signs displayed at different places and along the banks. These signs offer specific messages that should be respected. |
Dress in appropriate attire. |
Do not comment on any religion or sect. |
Eat Satvic Diet. |
Maintain a distance at specific points. |
Do not indulge in affection or physical hugs that shows immoral behavior. |
Show respect towards the elders and differently abled pilgrims. |
Always seek permission from the subject if you want to click a photograph. Always use the non-intrusive techniques when snapping any event. |
Keep distance from the stray animals. |
Males |
Females |
Male pilgrims should either wear long pants and shirts covering their shoulders. Traditional attire such as kurtas and Pyjamas are perfect for the occasion. |
It is likewise suggested that the female pilgrims should dress themselves in long skirts, dresses, or pants, paired with blouses that cover the shoulders and chest. Furthermore, the typical Indian attire would include salwar kameez or sarees and these are highly respected. |
General Footwear: All footwear should be removed while making the entry to any religious site, including temples and sacred dominions.Wearfootwear like sandals or slip-ons as these are quite comfortable and easy to put on. |
Pilgrims and travelers visit Prayagraj for a holy dip in Triveni Sangam, but there is also plenty of sightseeing activities that one can get through. These tourist hotspots provide a closer glimpse of culture and Mughal heritage. Being at any of these tourist hot spots will turn out to be an entirely motivational you a retreat amidst the spiritual fervor.
#1 - Allahabad Fort – Architectural superiority and representation of Mughal architecture
The fort was constructed by Mughal Emperor – Akbar the Great in the year 1583. The design and magnificent architecture of Allahabad Fort speak volumes about its construction. Only a few areas of the fort are accessible to the general public, which includes the Ashoka Pillar and the Saraswati Koop. Major part of the fort is under the control and supervision of Indian Army.
#2 – Anand Bhavan – The ancestral abode of first prime minister of Free India
Anand Bhavan is the ancestral residence of the Nehru family, presently operating as museum. The Bhavan offers deep insight into the life and times of Jawaharlal Nehru, besides showing the foretastes of history rolling behind the Indian independence. Swaraj Bhavan, which juxtaposes the Anand Bhavan used to be the first residence of the Nehru family although the place is turned into a museum that explicitly shows historical artefacts.
#3 - Khusro Bagh – The resting place of Khusro Mirza
The Khusro Bagh is a beautifully manicured verdant area that has the mausoleum of royal family, including Khusro Mirza - the eldest son of Mughal Emperor Jahangir and Shah Begum (Mother of Khusro Mirza). The mausoleums have been artistically carved, presenting a refinement of Mughal architecture. There are inscriptions on the mausoleums.
#4 - Allahabad Museum – The point of attraction for History Buffs
The Allahabad Museum is regarded among the premium national museums that houses a wide-ranging assortment of artefacts spanning across the Indian history, art, and culture. The museum is liked by history buffs besides the art enthusiasts. Travelers can come across ancient sculptures, contemporary art paintings and archeological artefacts from the Harappan and Gupta periods.
#5 - Patthar Girja (Church of Stones) – The All-Saints Cathedral
Patthar Girja (Church of Stones) represents the architecture of Gothic revival, which was constructed in the late 19th Century. It is the true and classic example of Anglican cathedrals. Travelers would be amazed catch the sight of stained-glass windows, elaborate carvings, and lofty spires.
#6 - Triveni Sangam Market – Live the moments of shopping traditional arts and crafts
Triveni Sangam Market is a best place for travelers and pilgrims form the USA to shop for the religious keepsake items, Rudraksha beads, idols, and other Hindu religious stuffs. The market also offers best place for trying local snacks and sweets besides truly enriching culinary experience. One could also get around and shop local handicrafts, textiles, and outmoded clothing. Make sure to go for the bargains.
#7 - Alfred Park (Chandra Shekhar Azad Park) – The biggest garden with exotic collection of flowers
Erstwhile known as Alfred Park, is the Chandra Shekhar Azad Park, with the popularity of being the biggest manicured park in Prayagraj. The park holds its name after the freedom fighter Chandra Shekhar Azad, who fought with immense valor against the Britishers. Travelers and pilgrims can also catch the sight of Victoria Memorial and also unwind in the verdant climes.
Monetary Concern |
Advise |
Cash |
Carry the local currency INR in the wallet |
ATM Accessibility |
There is network of ATMs in Prayagraj but owing to the Maha Kumbh Mela, the machines could run out of cash. Therefore, it is advisable to withdraw the cash in advance. |
Currency Exchange |
Look lout for private and nationalized banks, or airports or other authorized currency exchange centers to get US Dollars. |
Credit and Debit Cards |
All major hotels, restaurants, and shops will accept the credit and debit cards |
Digital Payments |
One can opt for the mobile payment apps such as Paytm and Google Pay, which are common in India. |
Mobile Service Provider |
Benefit |
Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone |
Good connectivity |
International Roaming with US Service Provider |
International roaming plans that offer convenience |
Messaging Apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Viber |
Easy way to stay connected with family, friends and everyone else |
Note:
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Prepare for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in advance, and free yourself from all the gremlins and jinxes. Remember, you are traveling miles between the continents and being prepared means you would live beautiful and memorable experiences in Prayagraj.
Sherry is a creative soul and an enthusiastic writer who likes to explore different countries and cultures. Her love for travelling shines through her writings. You’ll either find her immersed in another rom-com or planning her itinerary for her next trip. A cinema lover, traveler, and writer, what a combination!
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