Take a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam this year
The Ardh Kumbh Mela is an auspicious gathering where many people across the globe come to skim off their sins by taking a dip in the Triveni Sangam (the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati), Allahabad. It is believed that taking a bath in the holy river helps in attaining salvation. This event is scheduled from January15-March 4, 2019.
The Triveni Sangam-the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati is where the Ardh Kumbh Mela takes place. This place is considered to be one of the holiest places in India. Lakhs of pilgrims assemble here to take part in the auspicious fair just to visit the Sangam. If you want to start your new year with visiting somewhere new, the Triveni Sangam is a very good option.
- SADHUS:
The rituals perform by Naga Sadhus
The Kumbh Mela can be defined as crazy and chaotic. The holy ghats lit up with diyas and the surrounding echo with the continuous chanting of mantras and the rendering dance of Aghoris. The Kumbh Mela is an experience altogether one should have in their lifetime. The most popular draws of the mela are the Nagas (naked sadhus), Urdhawavahurs (who expose their body to extreme austerities) and the Kalpwasis (the ones who bathe three times a day). They assemble from the first day of fair and set up their "akhadas". The ash all over their body and smoke from their pots create an impression of trance.
- A HOLY DIP IN THE WATER:
Holy Dip- Ardh Kumbh
Millions of devotees come flooding to this mela to take a dip in the water which according to them is synonymous to wash their sins. The sadhus and devotees visit the sanctified pavilions to be a part of the 'world's massive act of faith.' Kumbh Mela is considered the most auspicious time to take a dip in the holy river to free themselves from their sins and attain a step forward towards salvation. But there are specific dates to bathe or to take the holy dip. For 2019, the dates are:
Makar Sankranti (1St shahi Snan): 14/15 January 2019
Paush Purnima: 21 January 2019
Mauni Amavasya (Main Royal Bath 2nd Shahi Snan): 04 February 2019
Basant Panchami (3rd shahi Snan): 10 February 2019
Maghi Poornima: 19 February 2019
Maha Shivratri: 04 March 2019
- RITUALS:
Evening Aarti
The Sadhus perform various peculiar rituals on the ghats during the mela. One can witness the sadhus sitting on spikes or hot charcoal surrounded by a cloud of smoke is really mind-boggling. The “aarti" of the holy water in the evening is beautiful to watch and shouldn’t be missed.
HOW TO REACH ARDH KUMBH MELA (ALLAHABAD):
You can reach Allahabad Ardh Kumbh by 3 ways:
BY FLIGHT:
Nearest International Airport from Ardh Kumbh Allahabad is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi. Thereby you can hire private vehicles for Ardh Kumbh 2019 at Triveni Sangam, Allahabad.
BY TRAIN:
You can also reach by train. Direct trains from different places of India are available for Allahabad. You can hire Private Cab/Shared Auto from Allahabad Railway Station to Triveni Sangam popularly called Sangam which is the venue of Ardh Kumbh 2019 Mela.
BY ROAD:
Allahabad has dense connectivity with other cities of India. Allahabad has its own Bus Depot which is connected with all the major cities of India. You can reach Ardh Kumbh 2019 from below locations:
Varanasi (125 KM)
Lucknow (325 KM)
Delhi (700 KM)
Satna (200 KM)
Khajuraho (300 KM)
You can reach Ardh Kumbh 2019 Fair Ground by hiring private vehicle, state transport buses, auto rickshaw or other such local transport.
WHERE TO STAY :
It is quite difficult to find a proper hotel to stay near the Kumbh area and due to major traffic issues, people tend to stay in the mela itself. As there is a scarcity of hotels, many of the spiritual gurus get to manage tents for their disciples. There are a few quality camp operators in Kumbh mela. One can expect to get a decent accommodation with hygienic foods nearer to the mela area. These tent options would be the best option to have the Kumbh experience. However, one needs to book prior for amazing deals/discounts and availability.
To read more interesting content on the culture of India, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
