Kumbh Mela 2019: A Pocket Guide To Know Everything About The Grand Indian Fair!

Celebrated 4 times over a time span of 12 years, Kumbh Mela in India is nothing less than a festival itself. Pilgrims and believers of Hindu religion attend this famous occasion which marks a significant period as per the Hindu calendar too. Sadhus, Naga Sadhus and hermits mark the beginning of this renowned fair with their entrance on horses and elephants as they come in groups of many alike.

About Kumbh Mela 2019

Being a major ritual, the bathing ritual at Kumbh Mela has an importance of its own and several pilgrims and people belonging to this faith join together for this prime reason itself. So, here’s a quick catch-up with the Kumbh Mela 2019 schedule that this auspicious bathing becomes even more special as per the religion beliefs.

• 15 Jan: Makar Sakranti
• 21 Jan: Paush Purnima
• 4 Feb: Mauni Amvasya
• 10 Feb: Basant Panchami
• 19 Feb: Maghi Purnima
• 4 Mar: Mahashivratri             
  

  Best Things To Do In Kumbh Mela

  The opening of this major festive fair is marked by Peshvai or Praveshai, where people are welcomed from all over the world, marking the beginning of the auspicious mela. At the beginning itself, the saints arrive here in huge groups and a procession is carried on in honour of this occasion.
  
  

  1. Tourist Walks

  
  Organised by the government, tourist walks have a unique significance as they let you explore the various parts of a region including the renowned temples and forts. In the Sangam walk, arranged for the tourists visiting Allahabad, you will get an opportunity to visit Bade Hanumanji Temple, Patalpuri Mandir, Akshya Vat, Allahabad fort, and Ram Ghat. As tempting as it may sound to the traveller in you, another option of the Prayagraj Walk also remains to attract the visitors from across the country, which includes Allahabad Museum, Public Library and Swaraj Bhawan in the tour.
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• 2.Cultural Events
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  Witnessing the rich culture and heritage that our country possesses, people from all over India visit this renowned fair which will consist of 5 main pandalas of series of several events. You will get to see some spectacular musical performance along with some traditional folk dances on a regular basis from January 2019. If you wish to have a spiritual experience here at the site, make sure you visit the Pravachan pandal where certain events of the like will take place.

   

  3. Waterways

  

   Indulging in a serene water boat or ferry experience is surely something you can try to soothe your soul at this pilgrim occasion. As organised by the Inland Waterways Authority Of India, you can take a ferry ride close to the Sangam Ghat in the Yamuna river. Starting from Sujawan Ghat, moving towards the Boat Club Ghat, this ferry ride will end at Kila Ghat. This is surely one of those things that let you soak in the blissful vibes of the place around while you get to witness many sites on these ghats.

   

  4. Thematic Gates

  
  In order to be able to navigate your way through this giant fair, and to enhance the aesthetic appeal of this glorious fair, government has also instilled several thematic gates, that you shouldn’t miss while you’re out and about in this place. These gates are known to have been strategically placed and with every gate having a unique identity, you're surely amazed at these cultural creations installed this year. It is also made sure that such gates can be reused after this year’s fair.

   

  5. Laser Light Show

  
  Among various other things to see and do around the festive fair, this laser light show has been organized by the government this year for all the visitors to experience a unique laser and sound theme at this site. What’s more, is that this is one of a kind and is surely going to be an amazing experience at a place like this. If you’re looking for a different experience than the one you’ve had here before, try this show and make sure you book well in advance to avoid any hassle later on.

   

  Accommodations Around And At Kumbh Mela

  With so many options to choose from, in and around this mela, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The best way to decide is to keep in mind the budget and experience that you wish to have.
  

  1. Tents 

  
  The Kumbh Mela organizers have provided several tent accommodation options at the site itself and you may not worry about traveling from a far off place to visit the mela. You can choose from Kalpa Vriksh, Kumbh Canvas, Vedic Tent City and Indraprastham city which have all the basic amenities including a well appointed tent and washrooms.
  
  Tariff: Starting from INR 2500 onwards excluding the meals
  

   

  2. 3-Star Hotels

  
  If your budget is not very high and you don’t wish to stay in a tent, this is the best you can opt for. Be it a one night stay or a week long visit to this renowned place, some of the best options include Hotel Kshipra Dham and OYO rooms nearby. These also come with basic facilities but will also allow you for some privacy and a space of your own. You can also choose better hotel options with packages starting from INR 5,500 for a one night stay in the Allahabad city.
  
  Tariff: Starting from INR 1500 onwards
  

   

  3. 4-Star Hotels

  

  Even though the tents in themselves will provide you a luxury experience with some of them located in a way to provide 3D views of the site, if you’re opting for a 4 star hotel you can surely book one in Allahabad while planning your next visit to Kumbh Mela in 2019. The Legend in Allahabad offers a decent 4 star accommodation, along with free Wifi, shared lounge and a garden on the property. They also provide car-rental services if you wish to opt for one.
  
  Tariff: Starting from INR 7029 onwards
  

   

  How To Reach Kumbh Mela

  The nearest city to Kumbh Mela that is well connected to all major cities in India, is Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh. So, scroll down to know what are your options to reach this famous fair this year!
  
  

  By Air

  
  The Allahabad domestic airport is operational only for the domestic flights, connecting to a very limited number of cities in the country. The other airports, namely Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport in Varanasi and Amausi International Airport in Lucknow are better options as they connect the major cities across India. However, you will have to take a cab from the airport to reach the Kumbh Mela as there is not direct flight to the destination.

  By Train

  
  While there are 10 main railway stations connecting Allahabad to the main cities of India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata, one can surely select the best train option for a smooth journey till Allahabad city. These railway options include Allahabad Chheoki, Naini Junction, Allahabad Junction and Prayag Junction. During this festive occasion, temporary railway stations are made available to facilitate pilgrims to reach the final destination conveniently.

   

  By Road

  
  Allahabad is the central point connecting major highways and national ones to reach Ujjain. Some of the routes you can take include NH2 running across the city and NH27 leading to Mangawan in Madhya Pradesh. While NH96 and NH28 connect two major cities of Allahabad and Ayodhya, you can also opt for tourism buses or interstate buses.