Top 12 Must Do Things At Kumbh Mela
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The Kumbh Mela is just amazing. It's big and amazing, making you feel amazed. Everything flowing smoothly in it reminds you that the universe follows its own natural way. Usually, people ask what they can do at the Kumbh Mela. My usual advice? Don't worry too much about it - just go there and let the experience happen naturally. But if you want to see what's possible, here are a few things that you can think about.
The Kumbh Mela's size is breathtaking no matter if it happens in Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain or Nasik. The advice people often give is to not worry too much about planning and just jump into the experience headfirst. When someone asks about fun things to do, the usual answer is go and let events happen by themselves. For people who want to see what path they might choose, there are some choices here. They can be used during different Kumbh Mela with extra information given when needed.
Fact: In 2025, Prayagraj (Allahabad) will host the Next Kumbh Mela called Maha Kumbh Mela.
Immerse Yourself in the Sacred Waters
Kumbh Mela happens near holy water places, like the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj which is where river Ganga meets Yamuna and Saraswati rivers. In Haridwar, the Ganga River comes down to plains filled with land; in Ujjain it is a small waterway named Kshipra River that enters here. Even Nasik has riverside spots along Godavari River too. The main reason to go on a journey is to get yourself fully in the holy waters, which means a lot for those who are going.
The whole time of the Mela is special for you to dip in holy waters. But, during this time some days are very special and lucky. These times are called Shahi Snan Days. It's a good idea to look at the exact dates. Get ready for lots of people on these days as holy men get to go first in the sacred waters.
Visit Akhadas
There are about 13 real groups that take part in the Kumbh Mela. The biggest one is called Juna Akhada and has many smaller parts. Besides these main sports clubs, many other groups of religious teachers and spiritually-minded people also join in the event.
If you are connected with a special group or follow someone important in those teams, your natural tendency would be to go there. But, if like me you do not belong to a certain group then try out various Akhadas and talking with the Sadhus. Use the chance to listen what they know or talk with them. We suggest moving away from the famous fighting groups and holy men who are usually seen on main streets. Find smaller temples and bond with humble holy men.
Go visit the temples in Ashrams and Akhadas, built for their main god. Don't skip setting up the holy Kumbh—a big pot spilling over. This special thing happens all through the event and gets its own respect too. In many Akhadas, they have a holy room with special pot called Kumbha where ceremonies are held.
Encounter the Naga Sadhus during the Kumbh Mela
The Naga Sadhus, who are often seen as strange signs of the Kumbh Mela, have a special part in this large gathering. Even though they seemed like a mystery at first, many of them happily welcome people to talk with them. Their unique way of living makes you want to know more, so take that chance and find out about what they do. Find out their way of praying, what makes it spiritual, and see why they give up worldly things. Think of the Kumbh Mela as a lively collection of storytellers. Sadhus, Gurus and Acharyas lead sessions in which they share stories from Indian holy books. Some people tell stories very well, while others mix songs and music into their tales. No matter where you are in the gathering, a storytelling session is never far away.
Engage in Kathas and Join Kirtans at the Kumbh Mela
Take a second to unwind and learn the old-fashioned knowledge and life advice found in these tales. If you have lived in India, maybe already know stories from books like Ramayana or Mahabharata. There's also the Bhagwat Puran that people recognize too! The appeal of this kind of storytelling comes from being able to enjoy fresh viewpoints on old stories. Get involved in the group singing of Bhajans and Nam Japs at different sports clubs. Just listen to the music that feels right for you, join in with others singing, and enjoy yourself. You don't need any official permission; all you have to do is want to sing or just hear the music.
Savor a Meal at a Bhandara
Take a second to unwind and learn the old-fashioned knowledge and life advice found in these tales. If you have lived in India, maybe already know stories from books like Ramayana or Mahabharata. There's also the Bhagwat Puran that people recognize too! The appeal of this kind of storytelling comes from being able to enjoy fresh viewpoints on old stories. Get involved in the group singing of Bhajans and Nam Japs at different sports clubs. Just listen to the music that feels right for you, join in with others singing, and enjoy yourself. You don't need any official permission; all you have to do is want to sing or just hear the music.
Explore the time-honored temples within the city
Start a trip to the old city towns of India, where special buildings made for gods are waiting.
In Prayagraj, find the sacred bond of Lete Hanuman Ji and feel a spiritual vibration in Akshay Vat & Patalpuri Temple. Enjoy peaceful moments at Gangoli Shivala temple and get mesmerized by Nag Vasuki Temple's charm.
In Haridwar, go to Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple and feel its strong holy power. Also see the special captivating charm of Shakti Temples that are part of this spirit filled area.
Ujjain calls with the big Mahakal Temple and respected Harsiddhi Devi Temple, asking you to see history mixed with spiritual feelings.
As you go around Nashik, see the amazing Tryambakeshwar and spiritual Panchvati place where every step sounds like old stories.
Connect with the Kalpavasis and fellow pilgrims.
The word "Mela" comes from "Mel," which means a gathering or meeting. One view is to see it as a chance to meet many different people, those we might not usually come across. Push for looking and talk to as many folks you can, closing the space between your life and theirs.
Talk with other travelers in a deep way. Talk to people while eating, sit by Sadhus (a religious group), help those who serve the Sadhus and Mahants (leaders of some religious groups). Chat with boatmen, priests that lead prayers or rites at sacred places for worshippers.
Also talk a bit more with young children you meet on your trip plus artists doing shows Every conversation opens doors, making things bigger and giving knowledge. The ease and friendliness shown by other regular Indians sticks in your mind.
Do the Yatras or Walking Trails – Kumbh Mela
In Prayagraj and Ujjain, people can join the famous Panch Kroshi Yatra. This is a sacred trip where they visit old temples in these cities' religious areas. Usually, yatras are done by walking. But you can also use a car or van for it. Biking might be hard because of crowds at the Mela event though.
The rich culture is displayed for visitors, making them want to walk and discover it. The cultural festival fills every place with lively street artwork, traditional folk expressions and classic art forms. In Prayagraj, this art show goes beyond temples. It also shows on big bridges for roads called flyovers and round circles with traffic as well as the walls of the city.
Say Thank You
As you walk, look at the big city that quickly forms and disappears in just two months. It's a great thing - a city that can manage lots of people, built and taken apart correctly. This involves making short-term bridges across the river.
Even if someone has problems with Indian officials, this is where they show their skill. The hard work, attention to detail and perfect doing are really great. See how together "Seva Bhav" - a deep feeling to help others, often shown by holding hands in prayer position.
People work hard all day long to turn this short-lived wonder into real life. Thank the hardworking police officers, people who watch Lost and Found Centers, and cleanliness managers - many of them might not get any attention. Thank the police officers and others who work all day and night to keep everyone safe at the fair.
Soak in the cultural events at Kumbh Mela
In Prayagraj, the first part was spent watching the evening Arti at Triveni Sangam. People know about the daily Ganga Arti at Har ki Pauri in Haridwar. But, they think similar ceremonies happen in Nasik and Ujjain too.
It is very important to go to these Artis. You should know how special the waters are that make Kumbh Mela so significant. When we pray together, people join as part of the same group. They come from one place and will return to it in time.
Even though we have a list of things to do, it's important to realize that no list can cover everything the experience has. People who are open to them will find surprises everywhere. Luck happens a lot, and if you pay attention, you might find surprising things that make life better.
Buy Khumb Souvenirs
A long time ago, the Kumbh Mela was more than just a place for praying. It also brought traders from all over to do business together. I got to visit a fun show with items from all parts of Uttar Pradesh. It was a great chance to buy Banarasi sarees, Dholaks from Amroha or pottery made in Khurja. Some popular souvenirs people wanted were Rudraksha Malas, Tulsi Mala or Kamal Mala.
Each one had its own special spiritual meaning. Ashtadhatu Rings, Copper Things like rings and bracelets, Brass Items such as Kartals for playing music and offerings in prayer were favorite options. People who like natural health can find many herbs and Ayurvedic treatments to discover.
Buy Books & Calendars
Bookstores are everywhere. They're almost on every corner. In Prayagraj, the Pustak Kumbh Hall was special. It held big Hindi publishers who displayed their books for people to see and read. Gita Press, a well-known name, had many stalls all over the Mela. Small sellers sold Panchang, which is the Indian calendar for many cities.
The power of Gita Press reached just about every book seller's place. Many people choose to buy books for reading when they visit. They consider these not just as things to read but also gifts or offerings - Prasad - that they can bring back with them later.
Attend Arti
In Prayagraj, the culture department of UP put together many events with lots of excitement. The nice Sanskriti Gram was like a view of India's culture past. There were displays and shows by famous artists from all over the world.
I really liked the heartfelt folk songs from Chhattisgarh and a amazing Ghatam show by Sri Vikku Vinayakram. There were also many other interesting performances to enjoy at that event too. The cultural picture was not just shown on the streets, with amazing rope balancing shows.
It also happened inside the Akhadas where Kinnar's exciting dance left a deep impression. Big tents hosted poetry events, like Kavi Sammelan. These offered lots of cultural fun for everyone to enjoy. Now is your chance to dive into this wonderful mix of cultural events.
