For me, Maha Kumbh 2025 was a blessed and blissful experience. I took the holy dip at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on Thursday, and here's how it felt.
I visited the spot a day after the stampede cost lives of people, however, to my surprise the ghats weren't suffocatingly crowded. While my dear ones and I were worried about the rush over the recent mishap that took place only a day before my visit, the scene that was in front of my eyes was a much more pleasant and peaceful one.
Swarna Srikanth FPJ
I chose a non ‘shahi snan’ day to take the holy dip at the confluence of three rivers (Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati). I took a boat which cost me only Rs. 400 (return included) and this made me avoid extensive walks to Sangam ghat.
The boat service is available at Arail Ghat, which is less than five kilometres away from the public parking at Naini.
The cosy boat, which had a total of 10 devotees onboard, drove for 2 hours back and forth. It started with ‘Har Har Mahadev’ chants. During our ride, we could touch and feel the holy waters through the sides of the boat. We were also greeted by migratory birds which were said to have flown to Prayagraj from Siberia.
The boat took us to Sangam bathing spot after ride of 20 minutes from Arail, which is situated on the banks of River Yamuna. We alighted from the boat and carefully walked into the river.
I took three dips at Triveni Sangam chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ and ‘Ganga Yamuna Sarawati mayya ki jai’ along with fellow devotees.
Swarna Srikanth FPJ
Swarna Srikanth FPJ
The water was too cold, only until I took the first dip. I instantly felt peaceful and better. I wasn't worried about the temperature of the water or my way back, the vibe of calmness made me ‘live in the moment’.
It was sunset time, so the sight was even more beautiful. I also offered prayers to the Sun while bathing in the river water.
What next? I must praise the arrangements done by UP government at Sangam Ghat especially for the changing rooms facility, which was set up right next to our boats and bathing area. These well-built and accessible changing rooms (unisex) ensured a hustle free Sangam snaan.
I must say at this point, the changing rooms were good, but the public had made it filthy by leaving behind heaps of wet clothes inside.
I learned the access to the Mela area was closed during my time of visit. After sipping tandoori chai, enjoying bhel, and eating a bite of Vada Pav at the ghat, I walked back with blessed memories. After 30 minutes of walk, I took an e-rickshaw to the parking.
Swarna Srikanth FPJ
I couldn't see many senior citizens or differently abled people at Maha Kumbh, nor were special assistance to them widely evident.
It was my first time at Kumbh Mela, and I strongly suggest the boat way to people planning to take the holy dip here.
After a long drive from Mumbai to UP, via Rewa, I entered Prayagraj, beating some traffic at the MP-UP state border. I parked my car at ADA colony and hopped on a local e-rickshaw to reach closer to the river bank. Despite the three-wheeler ride, I had to walk 1.2 kilometres to Arail Ghat, followed by a comfortable boat ride to Sangam.
Maha Kumbh is observed once in 144 years. It started on January 13 and will end on February 26.
