Prayagraj has been the talk of the town lately, especially since the event began on January 14th, 2025, with Makar Sankranti. As I thought about the Prayagraj Mahakumbh, I was unsure whether I should go or not. However, when I heard that this event would occur only once in 144 years, with all nine planets aligning, I decided to go and try my luck. Inspired by my pandit Ji Suresh and my friend Ashok Geandhee, I went ahead and booked my tickets. The ticket fares were soaring, almost ₹55,000 for a trip to Prayagraj, but I decided to proceed with the booking.
Finally, the big day arrived, and despite lingering doubts, I made the decision to go. I flew out in the morning and by 3 o’clock, I had arrived at Prayagraj airport. My organizer, Sandeep, arranged for a motorbike to pick me up—an excellent choice for both transportation and experiencing the environment. On the bike, I made my way to the sectors, where about 25 to 30 tents (shivirs) were being set up to accommodate the devotees.
I visited Sector 6, where I was accommodated in a tent. After settling in, I took a bike ride around the area, which seemed to be the best mode of transportation due to the large crowds. It felt like a mini-city, and what I saw was truly impressive. The roads were covered with chequered steel plates, making travel easy for both bikes and cars. I learned that Steel Authority of India Limited had donated 50,000 steel plates for the Mahakumbh, which was remarkable.
What truly amazed me were the well-organized arrangements for people’s stay and the smooth transportation system. For water, 10 to 15 large borewells had been installed, ensuring a continuous 24-hour supply with taps placed all over the area. In terms of sanitation, there were bathrooms everywhere, and to prevent pollution of the ground, waste was collected in large containers. These containers were periodically removed and treated, ensuring that the banks of the Ganges remained clean.
As for food, Bhandaras (community kitchens) were set up all around, offering free meals to everyone. Many places also served lunch and dinner, making sure no one went hungry. The entire experience was a testament to how efficiently large-scale events can be managed in India.
The crowds were not just in the millions but in crores, arriving from railway stations, bus stops, and roads. Yet, despite the overwhelming numbers, the crowds moved steadily, each person heading to the river for a sacred bath, then returning and visiting the designated places with respect. What struck me most was that there wasn’t a single spot where people were sitting idly or chatting. Everyone was focused, moving purposefully and efficiently.
I must also mention the cleanliness, which left me in awe. Not a single piece of litter was to be found anywhere. Cleaning efforts were ongoing 24/7, ensuring that the entire area remained pristine. The atmosphere was not only spotless but also remarkably healthy, reflecting the meticulous care taken in maintaining the environment.
The first thing I did was walk down to the Sangam Ghat. It was pristine and well-maintained. Taking a few dips in the sacred river was a quick five-minute ritual, as I was instructed to only dip and not bathe, given the sheer number of people visiting the holy waters.
Once I completed this, I returned to my tent, had dinner, and then set off again on my motorbike to explore the different sectors. I captured some incredible moments on video, which I believe you’ll truly enjoy. These videos are self-explanatory and will give you a glimpse of the experience.
The people were diligently disciplined in maintaining the cleanliness of the area, ensuring that littering was kept to an absolute minimum. Among them were elderly pilgrims, braving the challenges of age and health, taking frequent breaks but unwavering in their determination to complete the sacred yatra. The residents of Prayagraj, too, embraced their role as gracious hosts, offering assistance with transportation, food, and warmth, embodying true hospitality with their kindness and friendliness.
The next morning, I decided to visit the Triveni Sangam and asked a Sadhu to accompany me, as I wasn’t sure how to get there. We began walking, as the crowds had already swelled, and it would have been difficult to navigate through them on a bike. After two to three hours of walking, we finally reached the Triveni Sangam. There, I took a dip at the Aerial Ghat near the VIP section, marking the completion of my sacred journey.
With my trip nearly done, I realized I had just enough time to head to the airport. I quickly found another bike and made my way there, carrying with me sweet memories of this brief but meaningful experience.
Now, back in Chennai, as I write this, I feel a sense of energy and fulfillment. I’m grateful for the decision to embark on this 24-hour adventure, and I can’t wait to share my thoughts and reflections with my friends on my blog.
