Kumbh Mela, in Hinduism, is a religious pilgrimage that is celebrated four times over a course of 12 years. The geographical location of Kumbh Mela spans over four locations in India and the Mela site keeps rotating between one of the four pilgrimages on four sacred rivers as listed below:
- Haridwar on the Ganges in Uttarakhand
- Ujjain on the Shipra in Madhya Pradesh
- Nashik on the Godavari in Maharashtra
- Prayagraj at the confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati in Uttar Pradesh
The twelth year of a cycle sees the Kumbh happening in Prayagraj. The last grand gathering happened in the year 2013. Six years since, Prayagraj becomes the site for an Ardh Kumbh or the mid way in the new 12 year cycle. One can read more about Kumbh 2019 and its significance here.
The 2013 Maha Kumbh and 2019 Ardh Kumbh have happened during different ruling dispensations and hence were expected to be handled differently. This two day travel experience to the Kumbh was to get a bath in the confluence and experience how the grand event was handled.
The Kumbh Tent City
The Tent City which came up near Prayagraj complete with all conveniences for devotees and visitors to the Kumbh 2019 
A sit out to relax and grab a bit of sunshine 
A Two Bed Tent with quilts to help us bear single degree temperatures. A Caravan music player too was thrown in in to the already innovative set up
Heading to the Triveni Sangam
Gulls warming up on water barricades as the sun comes up lighting up the Sangam 
A simple Boat ride for Rs 1500 for an hour and half to travel to the Sangam (confluence) and return after bathing. Absolutely warm boatmen with proper safety equipment 
This Kumbh was all about cleanliness. Cleanliness was to prevent diseases and stampedes during the festival. Every medium was used to message things out. 
There was adequate police presence on the waters and the invisible eye to watch over the crowds 
Passenger traffic on the Ganges transporting devotees and workers headed towards the Ghats.
The Bath at Triveni Sangam OR Confluence of Three rivers
Who knows if one will be alive for the next Kumbh. Had the wonderful opportunity to take the dip along with fellow devotees and wash away the negativity and gain rejuvenation of mind and soul. 
Other faithfuls who change on the boats and hop and skip over boats before taking a dip 
Faithfuls smeared with vermillion paste by priests who conduct prayers at the sangam 
An early start to the day and people take their time to catch 40 winks. The brave change and make sure they get a dip.
Getting to Prayagraj
Prayagraj is about 120 kms from Varanasi, the closest international airport. Prayagraj airport too has now been brought on India’s aviation map with services getting launched from May 2019. All of India’s major airlines like Air India, Indigo, Vistara and SpiceJet have excellent connectivity to Prayagraj and Varanasi. If one enters and exits via Varanasi, the added benefit of experiencing the oldest city in the universe can be realized.
A Simple Highway Dhaba en route between Varanasi and Prayagraj. Simple hangouts serving freshly cooked meals. Affordable with bottled water that is safe. 
Two vegetable curries – One of Cauliflower with Peas and another with potatoes and spinach. Accompanying it is sumptuous dhal / pulses, salad and chapatis with Rice 
A Tea shop iwth tea being served in disposable mud cups. Tea is prepared on a coal stove
We will explore the Ghats of Prayagraj in our next blog piece
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