04/02/2025
A soulful trip to the Maha Kumbh Mela
Our visit to the Maha kumbh is an indescribable journey…one that begins with awe and uncertainty but soon transforms into a deeply humbling experience filled with gratitude and devotion. It is a place where spirituality comes alive, where the collective energy of millions unites in a sacred rhythm, creating an atmosphere that is both intense and uplifting. The sheer magnitude of faith surrounding me was overwhelming, yet it brought a profound sense of connection to the divine, to tradition and to humanity itself. The Maha kumbh is not just an event, it is a soul-stirring experience that leaves some transformed, others filled with reverence for the timeless spiritual heritage it upholds.
Why Did I Visit the Mahakumbh?
The main goal was not to visit to cleanse myself of sins, as I believe that once an act is committed, it becomes an unchangeable part of reality. The truth of our actions remains, unwavering and absolute, no matter how much we wish to alter it! The only cleansing that can happen is the cleansing of our inner self to bring a change within.
My foremost intention was to honour nature by standing at the sacred Triveni Sangam, where the holy rivers embrace one another, was a profound act of reverence for the natural world.
To strengthen both physical and spiritual resilience...observing the state of human health today, I felt the urgent need to cultivate immunity, both on land and in water, through conscious exposure and mindful practices.
To witness the enigmatic presence of mystic sadhus while immersing myself in their wisdom, absorbing their energies, and reflecting on how their way of life could inspire me to look inward and embrace mindfulness in my own journey.
Where did we stay ?
We stayed in sector 19 as we wanted to visit Akhadas and pandals.
Any bad experiences at Mahakumbh?
It all comes down to our mind set and expectations. The best way to experience the Mahakumbh is to arrive with an open heart and a blank slate, ready to embrace whatever unfolds. Many of us have grown too accustomed to the comforts of modern life, hesitant to step beyond our familiar routines and seek adventure.
If you're looking for a place that stirs every emotion within you, Mahakumbh is unparalleled and it is an ocean of experiences, both overwhelming and transformative. I returned not with complaints, but with a heart overflowing with gratitude and a deeper appreciation for the life I already have. I encourage older children to witness the essence of the Mahakumbh firsthand and if given the chance, take part in seva. It’s a rare opportunity to experience faith, service and community on an unparalleled scale.
How Did I Feel Before the Holy Snan?
I was filled with nervous anticipation, concerned about the cold water and whether I could fully immerse myself. But to my surprise, once I took the dip, I felt an immediate sense of calm and normalcy. The water, though initially cold, felt surprisingly soothing and I found myself ready to stay longer, savouring the divine touch of the holy rivers. There really was no need to worry!
For the dip, just carry a towel to wrap around yourself and a small napkin to dry your upper body. There’s no need to feel shy as everyone around you is taking the dip and changing in the open. For ladies, there are temporary changing rooms set up on the riverbanks and all women welcome you to share these spaces. If you plan to take a dip during the colder hours of the night or early morning, it’s a good idea to carry warm thermals to stay comfortable.
How Did I Feel after the Holy Snan?
I felt electrified! After the dip, there was a surge of energy within me, as though I had been recharged. I felt completely refreshed, as if I could walk another 10 kilometers without a second thought! It’s incredible to witness the miraculous healing power of nature firsthand.
Have I changed after returning back from Maha Kumbh?
I’m still the same at my core but there were meany new learnings from the Maha Kumbh Mela. I love embracing all the facets of life and connecting with people from all walks of life...There is never a No to experiencing different colorful shades of Life as long as I don't hurt anyone !
Life is a continuous journey of learning and incorporating those lessons into the fabric of our existence. What I feel I’ve gained is more wisdom and a deeper understanding of how to live peacefully without disturbing yourself too much. I have realised that the things we often label as "problems" are in reality just "life happening" in its own way.
I’ve come to understand the power of a few key principles: "Letting go," "Disconnecting while staying connected," "Turning Inwards," "Embracing Silence," "Building Resilience" "Living Simply" and "Practicing minimalism while travelling." Each of these has added a new layer to my perspective, helping me find clarity and peace after returning from Maha Kumbh Mela.
What lessons did I learn from the Sadhus ?
I was deeply interested in observing the mystic sadhus at the Maha Kumbh Mela. There’s so much wisdom to be gained from watching them, and the brief conversation we had with one Sadhu at the Niranjani Akhara left a lasting impression. The experience offered valuable lessons that I will carry with me.
Here are some valuable lessons I took away:
1. The Path to a Peaceful Mind – I learned that true disconnection leads to peace. However, for me, mastering the art of disconnecting while staying connected is the challenge I’m working to embrace.
2. Mindful Use of Anger – Sadhus also experience anger, but they are incredibly mindful of when to channel it. Anger becomes a tool to assertively convey a message when needed. Life presents many challenges, and at times, assertiveness is required to navigate them depending on the situation. Knowing when and how to use assertiveness… demands wisdom and intellect.
3. Expectations from Children – When asked whether we should have expectations from our children, the answer was yes. In our dharma, it’s important to have some expectations because we are meant to live together, not as isolated beings. Expectations, when balanced, are not wrong—they are a part of life’s shared responsibilities.
4. Women and emotional changes – As women age, we go through hormonal shifts that affect both our physical and emotional states. Channelling our energies positively is key and for me, photography has become a powerful outlet. It helps me stay calm, centered, and content within myself.
5. Acceptance of All – Among the Naga sadhus, some danced joyfully like children, while others sat in deep meditation. No judgment was passed…everyone simply accepted them as they were. This taught me that we all need to enjoy everything moment in life and if we could embrace people as they are, without judgment, our relationships would transform in the most profound way.
6. Boundaries – Many Sadhus were very clear about the boundaries they set, making it known where certain questions were not welcome. I realized that standing up for self-respect and establishing boundaries isn’t wrong. It’s actually an act of courage and wisdom whether anyone likes it or not. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting one’s space and dignity.
7. Authenticity - Being authentic is crucial, even if the truth we speak isn’t always embraced by those around us. The value of truth cannot be surpassed by anything. It stands firm and holds its worth, no matter the reaction it receives.
8. Living in Basics - At the Maha Kumbh, I witnessed many sadhus living without bathing, without warm clothes and some even without any clothes at all,but they had no complaints. Meanwhile, there were pilgrims sleeping under the open sky, while we rested in our cozy tents, wrapped in warm sweaters and blankets. Yet, I found myself complaining about the slight chill on the first night of our stay. Gradually, I came to understand that sometimes, life asks us to accept and adjust to the circumstances we find ourselves in. By embracing these moments with a positive mindset, and reminding ourselves that "this too shall pass" we can find peace in the most challenging situations.
9.True happiness - and fulfillment are not found in the mere accumulation of wealth but in the richness of our thoughts. A mind filled with grace and wisdom nurtures thoughts that bring peace and joy.
10.Discrimination - in any form stems from a lack of wisdom and limited intellect. To grow, we must rise above narrow viewpoints and strive toward a greater purpose that unites and uplifts all.
11. Living in the present - I have always embraced the philosophy of living in the present, and it was inspiring to see so many Sadhus completely detached from their past and future, fully immersed in each moment of their existence.
12.Slowing Down - The Sadhus imparted a profound lesson...the power of slowing down. In our relentless pursuit of success, many of us find ourselves trapped in an endless race, chasing goals that, in hindsight, may hold little true meaning.
13.Our Environment The Sadhus have cultivated an atmosphere of positivity around them, a conscious choice that is transforming them from within. While completely detaching from my family is not an option for me, their way of life inspires me to reflect on how I can foster a similar environment of positive energy for myself and my loved ones, ensuring a joyful and fulfilling life.
14.Our Goals It’s not that achievements, rewards or material comforts are unimportant, but to what extent should they define our lives? At what point do we pause and ask ourselves if the pursuit itself has overtaken our sense of fulfillment? The real wisdom lies in stepping back, reflecting and finding contentment in the present moment. Only by slowing down can we truly spend quality time with ourselves and our family and appreciate the life we are living, rather than just the one we are striving to build.Balancing Life is an important factor to consider while slowing down.
15. Practising Forgiveness - Forgiveness is the foundation of spirituality, without it, the true essence of spiritual practice remains incomplete. To walk the path of spirituality or devotion one must first learn to let go and forgive.
16. Loving Our Planet – It is essential for all of us to cultivate a deep love for nature and find our own ways to give back to the planet. By dedicating time to nurture the environment and embracing Mother Earth as a cherished part of our family, we can create a more harmonious and sustainable world. The Sadhus are helping the planet by living in a minimalist way.
17.Recharging - The word recharge has so much more meaning now ...whether it's our Soul, our body on land or in water...we constantly need to recharge our mind and body!
What Did Our daily routine Look Like?
We had the opportunity to take the snan twice! The first time, we woke up at 2:00 am and made our way to the riverbanks by 4:00 am—this early hour offered the best chance for a peaceful snan with fewer crowds. If you are used to Pandal hopping during Ganpati festival, then walking through Kumbh Mela will not be an issue.
On days when we didn’t plan for a snan, we woke up a bit late and started our day with breakfast at the Bhandara. We ate whatever was served, without complaints, embracing the simplicity of the meal. Then, we headed to the Iskcon Pandal, where we sat in silence for a while doing j*p, allowing the calm atmosphere to settle in. After some time there, we wandered, observing the surroundings and hopped around different pandals.
We also spent some mornings at the Shankaracharya Math, listening to the sacred mantras. It’s essential to wear a mask, goggles, and a cap, especially due to the smoke from the Hawans, but it’s worth the visit for the spiritual experience.
Surprisingly, the urge to have three meals a day didn’t arise. After a heavy breakfast (which felt like a full meal), we didn’t feel the need for lunch. The afternoons were spent exploring various pandals and Akharas. In the evenings, we had a light snack with chai and continued our pandal-hopping, enjoying the lit-up decorations and attending satsangs and akharas. We would head back to our tent after an early dinner at the Bhandara.
Overall, for a 3-day visit from Sector 19, I would suggest dedicating one day for the snan, one or two days for pandal hopping (including satsangs and Akhara visits), and one day for boating and taking a snan at the Sangam point. The remaining time would be for packing and winding down.Sadly we did not find time to visit Temples and Arail areas as the roads were closed.
What did our Routine Look like?
We got an opportunity to take snan twice! On the day of first snan, we woke up at 2:00 am and reached the banks by 4:00 am. This is the best time to take snan in less crowd.
When we have no plans for snan then we wake up slightly late .We start our day with breakfast at the Bhandara..Eat whatever is served without any complaints. We head to Iskcon Pandal and sit down in silence for sometime. We observe , walk around and leave. We hop around various pandals. One can spend their mornings at Shankaracharya Math listening to the sacred mantras .Wearing a mask, goggles, cap is a must as there is a lot of smoke coming out from the Hawans at times, but it is totally worth a visit.
The urge to have 3 meals a day was not there .We somehow didn’t feel hungry after having a heavy breakfast which was like a meal , so never found the urge to eat lunch. After a day of Pandal hopping and Akhara hoping , evenings were about a light snack with chai and again visiting more pandals to see their lit decorations at night and sat sang and akharas before we head towards our tent after eating early dinner at the bhandara.
Overall I would say , for a 3 day visit from sector 19 , 1 day can be spent for Snan at the banks or via boat , 2 days for pandal hopping including sat sang and Akhara visits and temple visits , 1 day to visit Arail if roads are open and and few hours for packing before winding up.
Important Things to do (Don’t miss these)
Snan (Sacred Bath) – Whether you walk towards the Sangam or take a boat ride to the heart of it, the experience of immersing yourself in the holy waters is unforgettable.
Darshan of Sadhus – Visit the Akhadas to connect with the sadhus. Spending time with them offers a unique, calming perspective on life and its deeper meanings.
Bhandara (Community Feast) – Enjoy a free meal at the ISKCON or Himadri Pandal. Joining the line with people from all walks of life was a humbling experience. There were no distinction between rich or poor just people sitting together, sharing a simple meal, eating with their hands, and appreciating the food with full hearts.
Shankaracharya Math – Make sure to visit early in the morning, when you can hear the spiritual mantras that bring a sense of peace and tranquility.
Satsang (Spiritual Gatherings) – Drop in and out of various pandals where renowned spiritual gurus share their teachings. The wisdom and energy in the air are palpable.
Sitting in Silence – Take some time to sit quietly, perhaps with a j*p mala or through meditation, to tune into your inner self. ISKCON Pandal is an ideal place for this peaceful reflection.
Pandal Hopping – In the evening, take a leisurely walk through the beautifully illuminated pandals. The lights and decorations during this time offer a whole new perspective on the festival’s vibrancy.
Temple Visits- We didn’t get a chance to visit the Lete Hanumanji Mandir and Nag Vasuki Mandir, but if you have the opportunity, I would recommend it. Just keep in mind the crowds and plan your timing accordingly. For me, the heart of Maha Kumbh mela was the snan, the connection with the sadhus, and the profound insights I gained from observing everything around me without checking too many locations on my list. Slowing down is the new travel goal for me
What do we do incase roads are blocked due to traffic jams ?
Connect with the locals to arrange a scooty service which will drop you close to the highway.More details in my pdf.
Where can we eat food near sector 19 ?
1. Bhandara/ free food at Iskcon Pandaal.
2. Mata ki Rasoi restaurant
Travel Tips
• Flexible Flight Bookings – Opt for tickets with flexible dates, in case you need to adjust your travel plans.
• Plan Ahead for Overcrowding – If you anticipate overcrowding, leave a day earlier than your flight and stay at a hotel near the airport to avoid last-minute stress.
• Stay Updated – Reach out to locals for real-time updates on traffic and crowd conditions before heading to the Mela. This will help you navigate through congestion smoothly.
• Embrace Simple Accommodation – Be prepared for basic lodging if you haven’t booked a luxury tent. Basic accommodations can teach you valuable lessons about simplicity and resilience.
• Expect Lots of Walking – Don’t let the distance overwhelm you. If you’ve walked during festivals like Ganpati, this will feel familiar. Embrace the journey, it’s all part of the experience!
• Mark Tent Location – Save your tent’s location on your phone to avoid getting lost in the vast grounds.
• Carry Cash and Water – Always have cash on hand and a mineral water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Pack Warm Clothing – The evenings can get chilly, so make sure to pack warm clothes in your backpack before you head out for the day’s activities.
• Interact with the Sadhus and Offer Donations – Take the opportunity to meet the sadhus and make a small donation. However, refrain from asking personal questions about their lives. Approach them as wise counsellors, seeking their guidance on appropriate spiritual matters instead.
• Pack Light – It’s best to carry just one backpack and pack only the essentials. Keep it simple and minimal for ease of travel.
Things to pack for Kumbh Mela for 3 days
Only 1 Bagpack
Jeans 1
Shorts 1 (snan)
Tops/t-shirt- 4
thermal pants - 2
Thermal vest - 2
Sweater - 1
Jacket 1
Woolen cap 1
Gloves 1
Scarf 1
Mask 3
Google 1
Cap/Hat 1
Woollen muffler 1
FlipFlops 1
Trekking sandals or walking sandals 1
Portable charger 1
Face wash 1 (use as bathing wash also )
Tooth paste 1 small
Brush 1
Comb 1
Moisturising Cream
Towel 1 & 1 napkin
Plastic bag 1
Protein Bars 4
Cash atleast Rs 20,000
Steel water bottle to carry Ganga Jal ( leak proof) 1 can be checked in I believe as we were allowed.
Cans are not allowed on airpots but Ganga Jal in 1 litre water bottle is allowed in cabin.
Laundry Drying rope
Don't carry any shoes as they get wet and you will not be able to wear them until they dry.
Weather is extreme...hot during the day and extremely cold at night !please carry warm clothing.
Dive into the sacred flow of life and embrace the journey ahead! Wishing you a fulfilling and transformative experience!
