Discovering India via a wonder called the Maha Kumbh Mela
The biggest gathering of humanity on earth, which has even caught the imaginations of scholars and administrators worldwide, a visit to the 2013 Maha Kumbh Mela is definitely a sight to behold. Watch thousands of devotees make their way for a splash at the Holy Ganga River with the aim of dissolving their sins and getting free from the throes of reincarnation. Every 12 years, millions of people from India and abroad gather in Allahabad on the confluence of the holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati to participate in what has been billed as the biggest gathering of humanity on Earth- the Maha Kumbh Mela. A centuries-old Hindu pilgrimage event with origins dating way back to the first century CE, the highlight of the Mela is the cleansing ritual which sees millions of Hindu devotees bathe at the Triveni Sangam (the confluence of the rivers) to cleanse themselves of their sins thereby liberating themselves from future reincarnations.
Held at a time when Jupiter is in Taurus and Sun is in Capricorn during the Hindu month of Magha (January-February), the Maha Kumbh Mela of Allahabad is considered the most auspicious of all the Kumb Melas taken together and is the main reason why millions of laymen, sadhus and mahants leave the confines of their home to take a plunge in the chilly waters and take temporary residences in the tent dwellings that has been set up by the organizers specifically for the purpose. Even those staying in holiday apartments located far from the venue make it to point to reach there as early as possible for a quick dip in the river.
This year spectacle will start from January14 and will last for 55 days. Though it is difficult to ascertain the number of people participating in the event, it is estimated that around 9m pilgrims will be attending the 2013 Maha Kumbh including the staff and students from six departments in arts and sciences, design, business and health from Havard who will be there for a case study on the "pop-up mega-city” that has been set up for this grand spectacle.
Kumbh Mela Places in India
Besides the Kumbh Mela of Allahabad, there are also a few other Kumb Melas that takes place every third year and sixth year. While those held after three years is called the Kumb Mela and are held at Haridwar, Prayag (Allahabad), Nasik and Ujjain on the banks of the river Ganga, the Sangam, Godavari and Kshipra. Those held every sixth year are called as ‘Ardh’ or Half Kumb Mela and are only held at Haridwar and Allahabad.
Famous City for Kumbh Mela
• Haridwar
• Prayag (Allahabad)
• Nasik
• Ujjain
Upcoming Kumbh Mela
The next Kumbh Mela is to be held in 2016 in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, India when both Jupiter and the sun are in Scorpio. Preparations for the same have already started and if you don’t want to miss this spectacle, it is advisable that you book your serviced apartment well in advance to avoid last minute rushes.
Your best bet will be to book a luxurious holiday home or short terms let in princely Udaipur and then take a short road trip to Ujjain through the rugged and picturesque countryside of Rajasthan. And if a road trip is not your cup of tea, don’t worry Ujjain is well connected to rest of the country by rail and air.
Exploring the Rest of India
Once you have dissolved your sins, heard religious discourses and have given alms, it’s time for you to discover some of the other hidden gems on India. With India being the seventh largest country of the world, there is a lot that one can explore- from festivals to wildlife to Ayurveda to architecture etc. All you need is to plan your holiday accordingly by first booking your accommodation (flight tickets notwithstanding). Once your stay option is confirmed, moving around the country is a breeze for every part of the countryside is well connected by air, bus, rail and even boats! And if the rental you have booked comes with a travel desk- all the more better, simply ask them to book a package for you for any of the popular destinations of India. Some of the destinations which you can easily visit
• Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon - If you are staying in a serviced apartment located in Delhi and the NCR of Gurgaon and Noida, then make sure to opt for a Golden triangle tour that will take you to Agra for a view of the Taj Mahal and to Jaipur –a city famous for its forts and palaces
• Rajasthan - You can also go for a tour of Rajasthan which will take through the princely cites of Jaipur and Udaipur whilst giving a glimpse of the king of the Indian jungle- The tiger at Sariska and Ranthambore.
• Goa: If heritage is not your thing, fret not; there is always Goa – of undulating beaches and round the clock parties; Goa mostly attracts Bollywood people for shooting, This is famous among the film industry for attractive locations.
• Kerala - God’s Own County, a must for those wanting to soak in something different, The Aranmula Boat Race is the oldest river boat Festival in Kerala, the southwestern state of India is held during Onam Festival in between August to September.
• Bangalore - Bangalore Of hackathons and startups, a geek’s delight. Must for those who want to sharpen their brains over codes while discovering the city’s other attractions
Why Plan India for Holidays
For a country as large as India, you can be sure that there will be something or the other happening every once in a while. From numerous fairs and festivals to gala musical and sports events India has everything to meet one’s needs and desires. A few events which you can catch up when in the city of your choice
•Women Cricket World Cup - the 10th edition of the WCWC to be held across the entire length and breadth of the country. The main four teams in this Women Cricket World Cup are Australia, England, India and New Zealand.
• Fly Music Festival – Jive to the likes of Limp Bizkit, Anthrax, The Wailers and Robby Krieger and Ray Manzarek (from the Doors) on fen 16-17 only at Delhi & Bangalore
• Goa Carnival - The one of the major event attract’s to people in Goa. Every year more than thousand people coming in India During Winter holidays and they can extend here holidays because this event.
• Holi - A colorful festival of colors very popular amongst people of all ages and creed. There is a variety of food, drink and merry making for two to three days
Getting to Allahabad
There are numerous ways to reach Allahabad. Trains and flights are your best bet if you are coming from Bangalore, Goa Kerala and Rajasthan. From Delhi, Noida and Gurgaon, you can take the bus or a taxi. Though the one way trip to Allahabad will take at least 6-7 hours and can be very tiring, but trust us when we say it will be worth it! You just need to leave the confines of your comfy holiday home to believe and experience the spectacle called The Maha Kubh Mela.
