A GUIDE TO KUMBH MELA HARIDWAR 2021

A guide to Kumbh Mela Haridwar 2021

In a country of diverse traditions, festivals, and faiths, Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious event of faith and humanity, attracting millions of pilgrims from all over the world. A time in years when, the unity in diversity of India, truly takes its form.

Marked by a humongous crowd, Kumbh Mela is the biggest celebration of a different set of beliefs joining together with one thread of devotion, faith, and humanity, signifying one path of life that is Mukti. Be it a Hindu, non-Hindu, man, woman, or any other gender everyone is accepted with open arms, increasing the beauty of this event manifold. It is also the time of the year when we as life can gain maximum benefits from the outer alignment of nature not only physically but also mentally, easing out the process for people to balance the chemistry of their body and mind.

Thousands of holy men, women along with the whole family, older generations, and children attend the holy Kumbh Mela just to gain the maximum benefits from the science of nature. This is also the time when the holy sages from mountains climb down towards cities, with the dust from their feet and the gleam of their knowledge purifying the whole area.

Origin of Kumbh Mela

Kumbh Mela has been a part of Hinduism from time immemorial, with its legacy of faith and devotion passing on from generation to generation. Although there are no written facts about its exact origin, one of its traces of origin revolves around the segment of “Samudra Manthan”(ocean churning), which is described briefly in “Vishnu Puran” and “Bhagvat Puran”. The story gains spark when due to a curse by sage Durvasa, the demigods became weak due to which demons tyranny escalated.

Samudra Manthan

On the Lord Shri Hari Vishnu’s advice, both Devta and Asura agreed to perform the Samudra Manthan (Ocean+Churning, the cosmic ocean churning) with the help of various other Gods and demigods. Along with various precious things, Halahal Vish (poison) and a pot of nectar emerged from the Manthan. As soon as the nectar-filled pot emerged from the Manthan, both Devta and Asura refused to share it and therefore began fighting for the nectar which stretched for up to 12 days of Devta (1 Day of Devta represent 1 year of humans).

Since the fight between Devta and Asura for Amrit (nectar) was carried out for 12 days which is equivalent to human 12 years, Purn Kumbh Mela is carried out in 12 years on earth. In order to protect the Amrit from demons  Brahaspati, Surya, Shani, and Chandra played a pivotal role, due to which even today their presence at certain positions is considered a major factor in deciding the dates of Kumbh Mela. While protecting the Amrit from Demons, some drops of Amrit also fall on some specific parts of the earth, purifying the whole place.

The places where these 4 drops of Amrit fall on earth are Haridwar, Prayagraj, Nasik, and Ujjain, which is the major reason for celebrating the Kumbh Mela festival in only these 4 regions. It is also said that after 12 years of demigods which is equivalent to 144 years of humans, the “Maha Kumbh Mela” is celebrated, only at Prayagraj. The Maha Kumbh is the special amongst all the Kumbhs as this is the time when holiest of the Sages climb down from the Himalayas towards Prayagraj, making it easy for commoners to benefit themselves from their sacred knowledge.

Historical Evidence of Kumbh Mela

  • The first reference to Kumbh Parva can be found in Puranas at different times. It additionally finds mention in Mahabharata and Ramayan.
  • The second written evidence of Kumbh Mela being celebrated as an event is found in the accounts of the well-known Chinese traveler and writer, Huan Tsang/Xuanzang (602 – 664 A.D.), who visited India from 629 -645 CE, during the rule of King Harshavardhana.
  • A well-known American writer Mark Twain also pins down Kumbh as the biggest acts of faith in 1895. A small note written by Mark Twain after visiting  Kumbh Mela in 1895 was:

“It is wonderful, the power of a faith like that, that can make multitudes upon multitudes of the old and weak and the young and frail enter without hesitation or complaint upon such incredible journeys and endure the resultant miseries without repining. It is done in love, or it is done in fear; I do not know which it is. No matter what the impulse is, the act born of it is beyond imagination marvelous to our kind of people, the cold whites”.

By- Mark Twain

When and where Kumbh Mela is held?

When it is celebrated?

  1. Maha Kumbh is the biggest and the most sacred celebration among all Kumbhs, celebrated at an interval of 144 years.
  2. After Maha Kumbh, the second-most sacred celebration of Kumbh is organized at an interval of 12 years which is called Purna Kumbh.
  3. The festival of Kumbh is celebrated 4 times over the course of 12 years with an interval of 3 years between each celebration.

However, the celebration of Kumbh is predefined yet the exact dates are decided on the basis of various astrological and mathematical calculations.

Where it is celebrated?

The location of the festival keeps on rotating between four pilgrimage sites that are

  • Haridwar on the banks of Ganga
  • Prayagraj situated at the confluence of three rivers Ganga, Saraswati, and the Yamuna
  • Nasik on the banks of Godavari
  • Ujjain situated on the banks of River Shipra

Pilgrims from all over the world take part in the ceremony of Kumbh which extends up to 40 to 48 days. The decision of the Kumbh Mela celebration at a particular location is decided by the position of the Sun, Moon, Jupiter, and Saturn in the zodiac signs.

  • Jupiter in Aquarius and Sun in Aries,  signify Kumbh to be held in Haridwar
  • While the presence of Jupiter in Aries or Taurus, and the Sun and Moon in Capricorn denotes it to be celebrated in Prayagraj
  • Jupiter in Leo, while the Sun, and Moon in Cancer signifies towards Nasik
  • Jupiter in Leo and the Sun and Moon in Aries denotes Ujjain

The planet Jupiter plays an important role in Kumbh. To complete one revolution around the Sun, Jupiter usually takes 11 years 10 months, and 14 days, which is also one of the major reasons for celebrating Purna Kumbha at an interval of 12 years.

Types of Kumbh Mela

Majorly Kumbh Mela is categorized into 4 types:

Purna Kumbh Mela (Full Kumbh Mela): Purna Kumbh Mela is celebrated at an interval of 12 years (human years).

Ardh Kumbh Mela (Half Kumbh Mela): Ardh Kumbh Mela is celebrated at a gap of 6 years, rotating between Haridwar and Prayagraj.

Maha Kumbh Mela (Biggest Kumbh Mela): The Maha Kumbh Mela is celebrated when 12 Purna Kumbh Mela is completed which is equivalent to 144 years. In other words, Maha Kumbh Mela is celebrated at a gap of 144 years.  Maha Kumbh is always celebrated at Prayagraj.

Kumbh Mela: In between a period of 12 years, Kumbh Mela is celebrated 4 times (with an interval of 3 years in between) rotating between 4 cities that are Haridwar, Prayagraj, Nasik, and Ujjain.

Magh Kumbh Mela: The Magh Mela is held at Prayagraj at the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Sarawati every year.

The cities of Kumb Mela

Not only the Kumbh Mela but all the four places where the drops of Amrit fall gained divinity in their own self, turning the places into major pilgrimage sites. During the festival, the responsibility of the venues and proper management of the crowd is handled by the state government in which the Kumbh Mela is being held. The venues of the festival are not just merely rotating between the four cities but mathematically decided on the basis of the position of Sun, Moon, Jupiter, and Saturn.

Haridwar

The Kumbh Mela of Haridwar is set up near the banks of the holy river Ganga. Emerging from the Gaumukh glacier Ganga travels a distance of 257 kilometers in the mountains, and enter towards plains in Haridwar, which is one the reason of naming “Haridwar” as “Gangadwar” (dwar=door). Whenever Jupiter is in Aquarius and Sun is in Aries, the Kumbh Mela is held in Haridwar.

पद्‍मिनी नायके मेषे कुम्भ राशि गते गुरोः ।

गंगा द्वारे भवेद योगः कुम्भ नामा तथोत्तमाः।।

The last Kumbh held at Haridwar was in 2010.

Prayagraj

The confluence of the river Ganga and Yamuna in Prayagraj forms the holy site for Kumbh and Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Among all the Kumbh Prayagraj Kumbh is considered to be the holiest. The major planetary positions during the Prayagraj Kumbh are Jupiter in Aries or Taurus, while the Sun and Moon should be in Capricorn.

मकरे च दिवा नाथे ह्‍म‍जगें च बृहस्पतौ कुम्भ योगोभवेत्तत्र प्रयागे  ह्‌यति दूलर्भ:

मेष राशि गते जीवे मकरे चन्द्र भास्करौ

अमावस्या तदा योगः कुम्भख्यस्तीर्थ नायके  

Nasik

Kumbh Mela at Nasik is called Nasik Simhast Kumbh Mela because of the involvement of Leo in a planetary position. The Ghats of the river Godavari is the site for Kumbh Mela in Nasik. When Jupiter enters the Leo sign, while the Sun and the Moon are in Cancer then the Kumbh Festival is held on the banks of river Godavari.

सिंह राशि गते सूर्ये सिंह राशौ बृहस्पतौ ।

गोदावर्या भवेत कुम्भों जायते खलु मुक्‍तिदः ।।

Ujjain

Also known as “Simhast Kumbh Mela”, the Ujjain Kumbh is celebrated on the banks of the river Shipra. When Jupiter is in Leo or Simha and the Sun and Moon are in Aries, Kumbh Mela is held at Ujjain.

मेष राशि गते सूर्ये सिंह राशौ बृहस्पतौ ।

उज्जियन्यां भवेत कुम्भः सदामुक्‍ति प्रदायकः ।। 

Rituals performed at Kumbh Mela

Marked by the ritual of bathing at the confluence of rivers, Kumbh is not just all about that. Apart from bathing at rivers, the various other rituals performed at Kumbh Mela include devotional singing, religious discussions, and mass feeding of holy men and women and the poor. Many religious assemblies are also held where doctrines are discussed and standardized.
The common rituals performed in the festival which are a major attraction are:

Aarti (Devotional Singing)

In Hinduism aarti and Sanskrit hymns are a major part of worshipping. Innovated in such a way that reciting these not only keeps the devotion and attention in one place while worshipping but also produce transcendental sounds, helping the life to balance out better. Through these devotees express their gratitude towards the gods for providing them with all they have in their life and seek their blessings to endure each hardship with strength.

Maha aarti is a major attraction in Kumbh Mela performed 2 times a day, once at the break of dawn and the other in the evening at the bank of the river (ghats). This is the time when all the pilgrims and tourists gather at the ghats while the priest performs the puja with dazzling lamps (Diya), rotating them in circles as they chant the mantras. The Maha Aarti is a symbolization of thanksgiving towards the river for giving us water to sustain our lives. A large number of people attend the Maha aarti ceremony, which is a symbolization of our gratefulness towards the river which provides us water to sustain our lives.

Deep Daan (Lightening of earthen lamps)

The ceremony of lightening up Diyas (earthen lamps) is known as Deep Daan. Floating up lighted Diyas in river water, and lightening up Diyas at homes, temples, shops/stalls, and ghats is a common ritual in Kumbh Mela. The reason behind this ritual is that burning up an earthen lamp with ghee not only purifies the surrounding but also symbolizes driving away darkness outside as well as inside.

Snan (Religious Bath)

Snan or a holy dip in the river is the most important and foremost ritual in Kumbh Mela witnessing millions of pilgrims taking part in Shahi Snan. Ascetics, Sadhus, and Sanyasis from all over the world and India come in huge groups, carrying banners and flags of their group, all praising the Lord. As the ceremony begins, the holy sages and sanyasis are allowed first to take the holy dip after which the ritual of Snan begins for common people. During Snan people remember their Gods, chant their holy name with devotion, and take a dip in the river. Flowers can also be offered to river water as a sign of devotion.

Yagya and Kirtans: The Chanting of Prayers

Yagya and Kirtan are other commonly practiced rituals in Kumbh Mela, after Snan. Performed as a devotional offering to God, Yagya is the Vedic tradition done for the well being of society and to purify the soul from all desires. The recitation of Sanskrit hymns during Yagya not only creates harmony in all aspects of life but also purifies the environment.

Another form of spiritual recitation is Kirtan. People gather in groups playing instruments and singing devotional songs. The beauty of the ritual is that there is no boundary for anyone.

Darshan (Interacting with the sages)

Darshan is a Sanskrit word that means ‘viewing.’ The word signifies the value of presence, of those Sages, Saints, and Ascetics who are rare to see elsewhere in such huge numbers at the same time. It also points towards the importance of Kumbh Mela, which makes it possible for common people. People who seek direction, Guru, and knowledge take this as an opportunity to not only serve and interact with them but also attain their blessings.

Mahaprasad and Langar

Kumbh Mela witness crowds in millions. In order to fulfill the food requirements, local stalls are set up by the shop vendors during the time of Kumbh. From local delicacies to quick snacks these stalls serve everything.

Mahaprasad is the offering that is served to Lord first and then is set out to others. Unlike common people, Sages, Ascetics, and Saints, who are free from materialistic desires accept only Mahaprasad or either cook for themselves accordingly. For preparing Mahaprasad devotees are generally volunteered. After offering to Lord the Prasad is distributed among the pilgrims. The Prasad here is considered not as food but a blessing from the Lord himself.

Langar is a common feast organized for people as a social service in Kumbh Mela. Funded by donations received from various families and communities the food in Langar is cooked and served by volunteers.

Pravachan (Religious Preachings)

With the presence of holy sages, ascetics, and saints the importance of Kumbh Mela increases manifolds. During Kumbh, many saints and religious scholars gather for preachings and discussions on Vedas and Holy Scriptures.  These religious recitations and discussions are known as Pravachan while the social event for such preachings is known as Satsang. Huge masses of pilgrims gather for Satsang while the saints provide insightful knowledge on various aspects of life.

Kalpavas

Kalpavas means living with devotion, patience, and Vedic knowledge without any attachments, materialistic desires, anger, lust, and violence. The period of Kalpavas is a type of disciplined fasting that extends up to 1 month during the period of 48 days of Kumbh Mela. Considered as one of the most sacred rituals of Kumbh, the discipline of Kalpavas, not only brings a balance of mind but also in life. The period of Kalpavas is bound with a set of rules, which every person has to follow:

  1. Fasting for 1 month
  2. Food should be eaten once a day, and the person has to cook for himself. In place of food, he/she can also take fruits.
  3. Taking a dip in the river 3 times a day. Sleep on the floor and abstaining mind from any desires.
  4. Maintaining celibacy, truthfulness, nonviolence, and abstaining mind from lust, anger, violence, materialistic desires, and worldly pleasures.
  5. Remembering God all the time in every aspect, for which reading Vedas, Yagya, discussion, and discourses are considered.

Kumbh Mela 2021

The 2021 Kumbh Mela will be held at Haridwar. The previous event in Haridwar was Kumbh Mela in 2010.

Haridwar Kumbh Shahi Snan Dates 2021

What is Shahi Snan?

The ascetics, saints, and sanyasis are the main attraction of Kumbh. Divided into Akharas (Sections according to their path) these Saints live a totally devoted life towards the ultimate, and usually, stay away from the societies. But during the time of Kumbh, these Saints and their disciples from all over India come together to be a part of the celebration. As a sign of respect towards their goal and their life paths, these Saints are allowed to take the dip first which is called “Shahi Snan”.

Shahi Snan usually begins early in the morning or at midnight according to the astrological calculations by Saints, on the pre-decided Shahi Snan dates. For Shahi Snan, a large procession of Saints from different Akharas accompanied by a huge crowd comes out. As a form of respect, people decorate their path with colors and put garlands around the Saint’s neck. The procession is greeted with local instruments and slogans in the praise of God.

Shahi Snan Dates for Kumbh Mela Haridwar 2021:

  1. 14, January 2021: Makar Sankranti (Shahi Snan).
  2. 11, February 2021: Mauni Amavasya
  3. 16, February 2021: Basant Panchami
  4. 27, February 2021: Maghi Poornima
  5. 11, March 2021: Maha Shivratri (Shahi Snan)
  6. 28, March 2021: Phalguna Poornima
  7. 12, April 2021: Somwati Amavasya (Shahi Snan)
  8. 14, April 2021: Baisakhi (Shahi Snan) (Mesha Sankranti)
  9. 21, April 2021: Rama Navami
  10. 27, April 2021: Chaitra Purnima (Shahi Snan)

List of Past Kumbh

1983: Ardh Kumbh Mela: Ujjain 2004: Kumbh Mela: Nasik
1986: Kumbh Mela: Haridwar 2007: Ardh Kumbh Mela: Ujjain
1989: Purna Kumbh Mela: Prayagraj 2010: Kumbh Mela: Haridwar
1992: Kumbh Mela: Nasik 2013: Purna Kumbh Mela: Prayag
1995: Ardh Kumbh Mela: Ujjain 2016: Kumbh Mela: Nasik
1998: Kumbh Mela: Haridwar 2019: Ardh Kumbh Mela: Ujjain
2001: Purna Kumbh Mela: Prayagraj

Next/Upcoming Kumbh Mela

  1. 2021 Kumbh Mela at Haridwar
  2. 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj
  3. 2027 Kumbh Mela in Nashik.

Saints and Sanyasi at Kumbh Mela

Saints are an integral part of the Kumbh Mela. To be just in the presence of such beings who are beyond desires and what we call life, is pure divinity.
The community of Sages, ascetics, and Sanyasis in India are divided into different Akharas. The word “Akhara” means “complete organization”. Currently, there are 13 Akharas in Hinduism under 3 sampradaya which take part in Kumbh.

Shaiva Sampraday/ Dashnami Akhara
Shaiva Sampraday worships Lord Shiva. The most popular and mystical Naga Sadhus of Kumbh belong to Juna Akhara.
Vaishnav Sampraday
Vaishnav Akhara is the follower of Lord Vishnu, hence called Vaishnavs.
Udasin Sampraday
Belonging to Sikhism, the Udasin Akhara is made up of two words “Utt=higher or Brahm and Aaseen= Virajmaan”
Maha-Nirvani Akhara Digambar Akhara Udasin Panchayati Bada Akhada
Atal Akhara Nirmohi Akhara Udasin Panchayati Naya Akhada
Niranjani Akhara Nirvani Akhara Shri Nirmal Panchayati Akhara
Anand Akhara
Juna (Bhairav) Akhara
Avahan Akhara
Agni Akhara

In Kumbh, there is a fixed order in which Sadhus enter the water to bathe. First, the Juna Akhara enters followed by the Niranjani and Mahanirvani akharas.

Why visit Kumbh?

Witness the largest human assembly

Witnessing 1.5 percent of the Indian population, that too increasing with time, the ceremony of Kumbh Mela is the highest human congregation held together in the world. In 2019 a minimum of 100 million people have attended the celebration. Attending the ceremony is not only a chance to witness such a huge crowd in it, but also see how little we require for being happy.  

Understand humanity

In the world of hustle and infinite desires, Kumbh teaches us what is required. Be it rich or poor, devotee or atheist, man, women or transgender, Hindu or any other religion, the ceremony of Kumbh binds everyone in one thread. Millions of people in a small space, happy with each other, make us realize how less we require to be happy, and how in the race of material comforts we totally forgot to take humanity with us.

Seeking Yourself

The mass of Kumbh gives a new perspective on life. From a deep attachment towards the outer world, you start looking inwards. There is something about Kumbh which deeply shakes your perception of yourself.

Jack Hebner wrote about Kumbh Mela in his book:

“The very foundation of my conception of life, the reality in which I lived, was shaken at its root. I was forced by circumstances to find a new identity within myself and adopt a completely new value system. My western values were not enough to deal with the profundity of the Kumbh Mela. What ensued was an unforgettable experience and a true understanding of the Kumbh Mela. I began to understand why millions of people attend the Kumbh Mela and I began to imbibe an inkling of their faith”

By- Jack Hebner

The highest possibility of liberation

The mystical plane of Kumbh opens up a new realm of possibilities for seekers of liberation. In the presence of sages, the knots in the path towards the ultimate open up easily.

The Himalayan Mystics

The experience of Kumbh is for those who truly want to seek the extraordinary. From the true mystical power (Siddhis) of the mystics to the power of meditation (tapa), and endurance, Kumbh will take you through all of these.

An enjoyment ride

From seekers to observers the spectrum of Kumbh is filled with each and every color of life. Even if you are not interested in spirituality, you can still be a part of the crowd, take a dip, and enjoy local delicacies to satisfy your adventurous spirit and have fun.

Highlights of 2019 Kumbh Mela

  1. Keeping in mind the vastness and sacrality of Kumbh Mela a vast area of around 5,000 acres to 10,000 acres was allotted by the state government for Kumbh Mela.
  2. Ganga cleanliness was also kept a priority for the pilgrims.
  3. Temporary city settings like 22 pontoon bridges and roads were set up for an easy passage.
  4. To brighten up the world of Kumbh 40,000 LED bulbs were set up.
  5. Integrated Control and Command Centres, CCTV cameras, and quad bikes squad were set up for better crowd management, safety, and traffic movement control.
  6. 800 special trains to the Prayagraj city, New Flights, Helicopter services were also a new addition this time.
  7. UNESCO listed Kumbh Mela on its list of ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’.
  8. Stalls playing videos of events at Kumbh 2019 were set up for a virtual reality experience.
  9. 1lakh new toilets were constructed for proper sanitation

Attractions of Kumbh

  1. Kalagram:  Kalagram provides you a glimpse of Indian art and culture. Apart from exhibiting states specific craft, Vedic Exhibition Gallery, academy books, it also shows different varieties of art and craft handcrafted by artists from all over the country.
  2. Cultural events: From musical performances to traditional and folk dances, the colorful cultural events of Kumbh exhibit the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India.
  3. Tourist Walks: A walk through the celebration, ghats, and various other events take you through the real colors of Kumbh.
  4. Laser light show: To enhance the experience of Pilgrims, patrons, domestic and international tourists a provision of laser light experience is also provided.
  5. Thematic gates: To improve the aesthetics of the Kumbh, temporary thematic gates are built to mark the approachable roads to Mela and various other sectors entrances. Deeply inspired by the culture and traditions, these gates are strategically placed and have their own identity in the local context.
  6. Peshwai (Praveshai): Peshwai signifies the grand procession of festivity and enthusiasm, carried out to mark the beginning of the Kumbh Mela, by welcoming people from all around the world. In this procession, saints from different Akhadas arrive in Kumbh along with their groups. To further enhance the grandeur of the procession, a large number of people provide their services as attendants and shower flower petals on the passing procession. To avoid any inconvenience, special routes and passages are demarcated by the state government, for these processions are led by saints from various Akharas.

Ghats of Haridwar

Ganga emerges from Gaumukh glacier and after traveling around 260 km in the mountains it finally enters the Indo Gangetic plains of north India in Haridwar, which is why Haridwar is also known as “Gangadwaar” (Ganga+Dwaar= Ganga+Door). Some of the main ghats of Haridwar are:

  1. Har Ki Paidi: This ghat was built by King Vikramaditya in the memory of his brother Brithari in the 1st century BC. Har ki Paidi ghat is also known as Brahma Kund. The word Har ki Paidi means “Lord Shri Hari (Vishnu) feet“. The Ghat got its name from the footprint of the Lord Vishnu on one of the stones of the Ghat.
  2. Asthi Pravah Ghat: Asthi Pravah ghat is located near the Ganga temple. People generally visit this ghat to immerse the ashes of the cremated body. People also pray for the peace of the departed souls here.
  3. Gau Ghat: It is located at a distance of 2km from Haridwar railway station. Gau ghat is the place where Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, and Jawaharlal Nehru were cremated. People who want to offer solace to their departed family members also visit this place.

Other Ghats of Haridwar are:

Sapt Sarovar Shetra Ghat Sarvanand Ghat
Sati Ghat Pantdweep Ghat
Singh Dwar Ghat Kangra Ghat
Daksheshwar Ghat Sita Ghat
Subhash Ghat Ganesh Ghat

Accommodation Facilities in Kumbh Mela Haridwar 2021

  • Luxury Tents: These are some of the finest accommodations in Kumbh Mela Haridwar. The accommodation consists of a room (around 280 sq feet) with an attached toilet and Veranda.
  • Camp Facilities: 24 hrs running water, Air Conditioner, Hot water, Coldwater, Personal Veranda, Attached toilet, Complimentary Ghat Escort, Pickup and drop from the railway station, STD/ISD facilities, Toiletries, Free Wifi facilities, Room Service, Laundry services, Charging Points and many more.
  • Deluxe Tents: These tents provide one of the best camping experiences.
  • Camp Facilities: 24 hrs running water, Personal Veranda, attached toilet, and Free Wifi. STD/ISD services, Laundry services, Toiletries, Towels, Blankets, Chairs, and many more.
  • Family Accommodation Tents: For a family having more than 3 members, family tents are the best option. The room size provided here is 300 sq feet with an attached toilet and personal veranda.
  • Camp Facilities: 24 hrs running water, Hot Water, Mineral water, Toiletries, Attached toilet, and Personal Veranda. STD/ISD facilities, Free Wi-Fi, Laundry services, and many more.
  • Dormitory Tents: These tents hold up to 10 beds in one large tent, with 2 toilets for each tent. For solo travelers as well as large groups these are the best option to stay. A separate tent is also provided for female groups and female solo travelers for making the stay comfortable.
  • Camp Facilities: 24 hrs water, hot water, Attached toilet, blankets, Free Wifi, Laundry Service, STD/ISD Service, and many more.

Interesting facts about Kumbh Mela

  1. Among all the cities of Kumbh, Prayagraj is the most sacred and the most ancient.
  2. Kumbh Mela has been included in UNESCO’s representative list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”.
  3. However, there are various mentions of Kumbh from Vedas to ancient times. But still, it is impossible to pin down the exact time when it started. As we dig deeper into the history the roots of Kumbh get deeper too. Moreover, almost all the ancient documentation and traces of Hinduism have been deliberately destroyed by the foreign invaders in the past, which is also one of the reasons for the loss of proper documentation.
  4. Kumbh is the largest gathering of people on earth. It is estimated that around 70-80 million attended Prayagraj Kumbh in 2019. However, Maha Kumbh and  Purna Kumbh are exceptions where the population is estimated to stretch up to 100 million.