Part 1 saw us driving down from Varanasi to Prayagraj. We visited Kumbh as it drew to a close but nevertheless it did give us a glimpse of what the place would have looked like at its peak. The government of the day at the centre and the state were led by the same political party and hence co-ordination and co-operation were in order. On the second day of our #Kumbh experience, post the Triveni Sangam bathing experience, we planned to explore the Ghats where the space for conducting the #Kumbh was prepared.
Ghats of Prayagraj
An estimated 250 million people (25 crores) would have participated in the Kumbh this year and that is about the entire population of #Indonesia. The entire area covering the Kumbh was estimated to be about 3,200 hectares which is equivalent to 3,200 rugby fields. The Ghats and the main Kumbh area consists of spaces provided to Akharas from across the country. Akharas (Equivalent of Satras in Assam) or a place for the teacher – disciple relationship to flourish. The disciple is usually a religious renunciate and trains on the scriptures.
The Prayagraj Ghat by night looks like it has just been cleaned up and readied for the next day 
The bridge is among the 10 bridges built ahead of the Kumbh 
People hop on to boats as they head towards Triveni Sangam for a dip 
People who have returned after the holy dip rest as the sun warms them up on a cool March morning 
The canisters are used to carry holy water from the Triveni Sangam back to their hometowns. THe coconuts are offerings made by devotees during prayers at triveni sangam 
A month of brisk business is done by vendors who converge to sell various paraphernalia mainly of religious purposes.
Citizen Facilitation services
India has seen cleanliness set in to its national consciousness since 2014. The National cleanliness mission has been driven on every available platform and has largely contributed to disease prevention. The drive was at the forefront of Kumbh 2019 as previous Kumbh Mela’s did not pay adequate attention to the sanitation needs of 250 million people. Apart from makeshift toilet grounds, cubicles with privacy were set up for people to change clothes and even for nursing mothers. Safety and cleanliness were reflected in the kind of arrangements that were made.
- 122,500 toilets
- 15,000 sanitation workers to support operations
- 1,500 volunteers spreading the message of cleanliness
- 20,000 waste bins with one every 50 metres
- 20,000 security personnel supported by over 100 police cabins
- 1000 cameras watching the proceedings and sending them to an integrated command center
- A lost and found center for re-uniting children / elderly who have lost their way
Brands in Action
When 250 million people are expected, how can the brands stay away. They found their unique ways to blend in to the atmosphere of the Kumbh and engage with the millions. Nothing seemed like in your face but more became like a discovery.
Ponds cream sachets were glued on to the cups of tea for users to touch and feel and finally apply 
Usage instructions for the packet of cold cream 
Fairness cream communicate in vernacular and are most visible when people come in to the shade for a few moments 
LG used the opportunity to dispense free water through its water purifiers 
All India radio had a dedicated service for Kumbh during the duration of the festival
Food
Beginning with a cup of tea, Fried stuff like bread pakoras and Samosas and even some sprouts to keep the energy going, visitors to the Kumbh can always find a low cost option for themselves and their families so that no one goes hungry. There were also camps which were serving free food for those who could not afford. Fruits were being sold in plenty along with tender coconut water and sugarcane juice.
THe tea seller serving out fresh cups of tea to people coming in for an early morning bath at the Triveni Sangam 
A vendor making Fried Bread Pakoras. THe bread slices are stuffed with potatoes, dipped in a gram flour batter and fried. 
A seller of sprouted lentils along with vegetables and spices 
A packet of puffed rice and fried gram fritters with onion and tomato for ten or twenty rupees
This Kumbh was one of the most successfully conducted, accident free and clean Kumbh in living memory. The Prime Minister made it a point to honor the sanitation workers who played a key role in ensuring a clean and disease free Kumbh. As it is emphasized, cleanliness is equal to godliness.
The next Kumbh Mela is scheduled to be held in 2022 in the holy city of Haridwar in the state of Uttarakhand. Any Kumbh is a once in a life time opportunity to visit and understand what India truly stands for. Come and fall in love with India
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