Boats and pilgrims crowd the riverbanks at the Maha Kumbh Mela, as a flock of birds takes flight overhead. / Raj Dave

Returning to India for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 after living in the United States since 1981 was a journey of faith and rediscovery. I set out on February 1, 2025, with my colleague Gaurav and his wife Ritu, eager to witness the world's largest religious gathering in Prayagraj. This grand event, held every 144 years, seamlessly intertwines spirituality, tradition, and astrological significance.

At the heart of the Mela is the Triveni Sangam, where the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati converge. Pilgrims from across the world come to take part in the Shahi Snan, a sacred royal bath believed to wash away sins and purify the soul. The Mela is more than just a religious observance—it is a cultural phenomenon that showcases India's enduring heritage, collective faith, and local economic impact.

Spiritual curiosity and a deep appreciation for Indian traditions guided our decision to attend. However, just days before our arrival, tragedy struck when a stampede on January 29 during the Mauni Amavasya Shahi Snan claimed several lives. This news made our families apprehensive, but we remained committed to the pilgrimage, anchored by faith.

Planning the trip was no small feat. High last-minute costs meant Gaurav and I paid $900 each for round-trip Air India tickets from Mumbai to Prayagraj, while Ritu's flight from Delhi cost $500. We booked two rooms at the Radisson Prayagraj, paying $700 per night. Despite the expense, the hotel, located in the Civil Lines area just 30 minutes from the Mela grounds, provided a comfortable base for our adventure.

 

Raj poses in front of a sign marking the Maha Kumbh Mela. / Raj Dave.

As we neared the Mela, the atmosphere buzzed with spiritual energy. Streets were adorned with colorful banners, devotional music echoed, and streams of pilgrims moved in unity. From our hotel, we took a rickshaw and walked two kilometers to the Sangam, passing food stalls and vendors selling religious artefacts, jewelry, ayurvedic products, and souvenirs in a lively marketplace.

The Sangam was packed with tens of thousands of devoted pilgrims, including ash-covered sadhus. I walked barefoot to the sacred waters and immersed myself in the icy confluence. The cold jolted my senses, yet the experience left me spiritually renewed. I collected sacred Ganga water as a keepsake of this profound moment.

Despite the sheer number of attendees, the event was remarkably well organized. Authorities maintained law and order with barricades, security personnel, and emergency response teams. While we remained vigilant, the seamless coordination reassured us of our safety.

Raj takes a dip in holly waters of the Sangam. / Raj Dave.

Beyond its spiritual essence, the Mela was a sensory delight. Food vendors offered everything from regional delicacies to pizza, which we enjoyed at Domino's. We also explored the marketplace, engaging with artisans and supporting small businesses, enriching our experience.

Friends reacted with curiosity, fond memories, and safety concerns when I shared my photos. One friend requested prayers for his father undergoing chemotherapy. During my sacred dip at the Triveni Sangam, I prayed for the well-being of my family, friends, loved ones and people worldwide.

Reaching Prayagraj was easy with air, rail, and road transport, and local taxis, rickshaws, and shuttles made navigation simple. Early planning is essential to avoid high travel and accommodation costs. Tents offer a cultural experience, while hotels provide more comfort. Following local authorities' instructions, staying aware of crowds, and modest dressing are important. Comfortable shoes and essentials like water, snacks, and a phone power bank are necessary for long walks.

The most auspicious bathing dates, including the Shahi Snans, draw the largest crowds. While these moments offer the greatest spiritual significance, they also require heightened caution and adherence to safety measures.

Reflecting on the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, I see it as far more than a religious gathering. It was a life-altering encounter with faith, community, and cultural pride. The collective devotion of millions left an indelible impression on me. Despite the logistical challenges and the $3,000 cost of our single-day trip, the experience was priceless—a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual and cultural immersion.

The Maha Kumbh Mela is not merely about taking a holy dip in sacred waters. It is about immersing oneself in the collective consciousness of faith, tradition, and unity. This journey left me transformed, carrying with me a profound connection to a heritage that transcends generations.

 

The author is a resident of Maryland, USA.

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of New India Abroad.)