KUMBH MELA WITH POST-TOUR AT VARANASI, 21 FEB-3MAR, 2025

Every twelve years, tens of millions of men, women and children gather on the flood plain of the Ganges and Yamuna Rivers in Allahabad, India, for the Kumbh Mela, the largest gathering of humanity for religious purposes on the planet. Pilgrims come from across India and around the world to bathe in the water where the two sacred rivers meet. Such mass bathing in the Ganges has been recorded for more than 2,500 years.

Maha Kumbh Mela

Allahabad is built on a very ancient site of the Aryans formerly known as Prayag. It is located at the junction of the holy rivers Ganga and the Yamuna. The city acquired its present name in one of largest religious gathering in the world, is held every 12 years at the confluence of the holy rivers attracting millions of Hindu devotees.

When Jupiter is in Taurus or Vrishabha and the Sun and Moon are in Capricorn or Makra, the Maha Kumbh is held at Prayag (Allahabad) on the vast ground of Sangam i e. confluence of Rivers Ganges, Yamuna and the invisible Saraswati.It is the largest Kumbh in terms of number of Sadhus and Devotees.

The Prayag Kumbh Mela is the largest and holiest of all melas and is believed to be the most auspicious.

Shivrathri

We will witness this final auspicious bathing day on 26 Feb before the Kumbh Mela comes to a close. Shivratri holds immense significance during the Kumbh Mela, adding a deeper layer of spirituality and devotion to this already monumental event. Celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva, the destroyer and transformer in the Hindu trinity, Shivratri marks a night of profound significance in the Hindu calendar. During the Kumbh Mela, Shivratri sees an influx of devotees who gather along the banks of the holy rivers to partake in special rituals and prayers dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The Sangam

This is the particularly auspicious point where two of India’s holiest rivers, the Ganges and the Yamuna, meet one of Hinduism’s mythical rivers, the Saraswati. All year round, pilgrims row boats out to this holy spot, but their numbers increase dramatically during the annual Magh Mela, the six-week festival held between January and March, which culminates in six communal ‘holy dips’.

Itinerary

Day 1: 21 Feb — Arrival in New Delhi
Upon arrival you will be personally met and escorted to our nearby hotel for check in. The group will get together in the lobby of the hotel at 7:00PM for an orientation and dinner.

O/N Lemon Tree Hotel at Aerocity (D)

Day 2: 22 Feb—Fly to Varanasi and Drive to Allahabad
Once we arrive in Varanasi, we will be met by our driver who will whisk us to Allahabad, about a 3hr drive.

Today we will fly to Varanasi. On arrival we will start our 4 1⁄2 hrs drive to Prayagraj where the Kumbh Mela takes place. The Kumbh Mela, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage that rotates between four locations in India, is a monumental gathering of devotees and a captivating spectacle. This spiritual event, held every 12 years in each location, draws millions of pilgrims who come to bathe in the holy rivers to cleanse their souls.

For photographers, it presents a unique opportunity to capture the essence of India's rich cultural tapestry. From the colorful processions of sadhus (holy men) adorned in vibrant attire to the fervent prayers and rituals performed along the banks of the sacred rivers, the Kumbh Mela offers a treasure trove of visual delights. The atmosphere is electric with spirituality and devotion, creating an unparalleled ambiance that inspires photographers to capture moments of transcendence and introspection. It's not just a photography trip; it's a chance to witness and document a profound expression of faith and unity that transcends borders and cultures.

O/N Aagman Private Tented Camp (B,L,D)

Day 3, 4, 5: 23, 24, 25 Jan—Kumbh Mela at Allahabad
We will spend the next few days exploring and photographing the Kumbh Mela, as we navigate through the bustling streets and vibrant campsites, we'll encounter a diverse array of subjects to photograph, from the revered sadhus adorned in saffron robes to the spirited locals bustling with activity. Our lenses will capture the essence of devotion as pilgrims from far and wide converge to partake in the sacred rituals, their faces aglow with reverence and anticipation. We'll document the intricacies of their traditions, from the rhythmic chants and ceremonial processions to the colorful rituals performed along the sacred riverbanks.

And as the auspicious night of Shivratri approaches, our focus will turn towards capturing the essence of this sacred occasion. We'll witness the fervent preparations as devotees eagerly await the symbolic bathing in the holy waters, a ritual believed to cleanse the soul and bestow blessings upon the faithful.

O/N Aagman Private Tented Camp (B,L,D)

Day 6: 26 Feb—Maha Shivratri Bathing Day
This holiday is celebrated throughout India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and other parts of the world with a significant Hindu population.

Shivratri holds immense significance during the Kumbh Mela, adding a deeper layer of spirituality and devotion to this already monumental event. Celebrated in honornof Lord Shiva, the destroyer and transformer in the Hindu trinity, Shivratri marks a night of profound significance in the Hindu calendar. During the Kumbh Mela, Shivratri sees an influx of devotees who gather along the banks of the holy rivers to partake in special rituals and prayers dedicated to Lord Shiva.

For pilgrims and photographers alike, Shivratri offers a unique opportunity to witness the convergence of faith and tradition on a grand scale. The atmosphere is charged with devotion as devotees engage in fasting, meditation, and chanting of sacred hymns throughout the night. Temples and makeshift shrines along the riverbanks come alive with colorful decorations and offerings, creating a mesmerizing spectacle for photographers to capture.

Moreover, Shivratri at the Kumbh Mela is not just a religious event but also a cultural phenomenon. It serves as a platform for showcasing traditional music, dance, and folk performances, further enriching the experience for visitors from around the world. Through its blend of spirituality, tradition, and cultural heritage, Shivratri elevates the Kumbh Mela into a transcendent journey of self-discovery and spiritual renewal for allwho participate.

O/N Aagman Private Tented Camp (B,L,D)

Day 7: 27 Feb—Kumbh Mela at Allahabad
On our final day in Allahabad we will photograph the thousands of pilgrims as they begin their juries back home to their villages. We will spend some time at the train station at Prayagraj, a great place to records this mass movement of humanity.

Day 8: 28 Feb—Drive to Varanasi
This morning we will start our 4 1⁄2 hrs drive back to Varanasi. The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. In the afternoon we will walk along the Ghats of the Holy River Ganges. There should be hundred of Sadhus here following the conclusion of the Kumbh to there will be plenty of captivating subjects for you to photograph.

O/N Rashmi Guest House or similar (B,L,D)

Day 9, 10: 1, 2 Mar—Varanasi
During the coming two days, we'll delve into the city, discovering its ghats, winding alleyways, neighborhoods, engaging with its vibrant community. 

O/N Rashmi Guest House or similar (B,L,D)

Day 11: 3 Mar—Fly to Delhi. End of Tour

O/N Lemon Tree Hotel at Aerocity (B,L,D)

Trip Notes

Arrival
Arrive 23 Oct at Indira Ghandi International Airport where you will be met by your guide and escorted to the Lemon Tree Hotel.

Departure
3 Mar, 2025 from Indira Ghandi International Airport

Visa
Most travelers need a tourist visa to enter India. Visitors from many countries may apply for a 5-year, multiple entry e-visa online. https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

Weather

During February, the temperature in Prayagraj and Varanasi ranges from around 15°C (59°F) to 27°C (81°F) during the day. However, temperatures can drop a bit lower during the evenings and nights.

February is usually characterized by clear skies and minimal rainfall. It's a dry month, with low humidity levels, making it an excellent time to visit Varanasi for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Light layers are recommended, such as long-sleeved shirts or tops, along with a light jacket or sweater for the cooler evenings. It's also a good idea to pack some warmer clothes if you plan to be out early in the morning or late at night when temperatures may be cooler.

Language

Hindi is the most widely spoken language in North India and serves as the lingua franca for communication across the region. It is the official language of the Indian government and is spoken by a large majority of the population in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi.

Currency

The currency of India is the Indian Rupee, abbreviated as INR. The symbol for the Indian Rupee is "₹". The rupee is issued and regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the country's central bank. It is further divided into 100 smaller units called paise. Coins are available in denominations of 1, 2, 5, and 10 rupees, as well as smaller denominations of paise, although paise coins are rarely used in practice. Banknotes are issued in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 2000 rupees.