Kumbh Mela Diaries: A Journey of Faith and Reflection

Kumbh Mela is a significant Hindu pilgrimage festival held every 12 years at four locations in India: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. It is the world’s largest peaceful gathering of pilgrims. Devotees believe that bathing in the sacred rivers during the Kumbh Mela cleanses their sins and liberates them from the cycle of birth and death.

In 2017, UNESCO recognized the Kumbh Mela as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, acknowledging its profound spiritual importance to the country.

The recently concluded Maha Kumbh 2025 had a significant economic impact, contributing to India’s projected 6.5% GDP growth for the fiscal year 2024–2025. With over 66 crore pilgrims attending, the event generated an estimated ₹3 lakh crore in revenue, benefiting tourism, hospitality, retail, and small-scale industries. Infrastructure investments and employment opportunities further fueled economic growth, while global media coverage highlighted India’s cultural heritage. The event not only boosted Prayagraj’s economy but also had a positive ripple effect on nearby regions like Ayodhya and Varanasi.

Read more by clicking Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Economic Impact & Growth

The Desire to Visit

I’ve always wanted to experience the Kumbh Mela firsthand, but due to other travel plans and commitments, I couldn’t make it happen. My sister and brother-in-law had already planned their visit and invited me and my wife, but again, I had to decline due to prior obligations.

As the last day of the Kumbh Mela on February 26th was approaching, my wife and I had almost given up on the idea of attending.

However, fate had other plans. A friend called unexpectedly, asking if we would like to join him for a quick trip to the Kumbh Mela. The plan was to leave on the morning of February 24th and return by the evening of February 25th. Without hesitation, I agreed, and we quickly booked our flight tickets. The next day, we secured our hotel reservations, and just like that, our trip was set. I was thrilled that I would finally witness the Kumbh Mela.

Mixed Feelings Before the Trip

Leading up to the trip, I heard mixed opinions about the massive crowds and challenges faced by the pilgrims. News reports showed the overwhelming number of visitors, and I began to wonder if we had made the right decision. To avoid complications, we decided to limit our trip to Prayagraj and skip visiting Varanasi and Ayodhya.

The Journey to Prayagraj

We started early in the morning and reached Prayagraj by 11:30 AM. After collecting our luggage, we found our pre-booked cab waiting for us. On the way to our hotel, we enjoyed some delicious kachori and sabzi. Due to heavy traffic near our hotel, we had to walk the last 250 meters, which took about 5 minutes.

Once we checked in, my friend and I immediately went to the front desk to inquire about the holy dip. We were pleasantly surprised to learn that the Boat Club, from where boats to Triveni Sangam depart, was just 200 meters away. This saved us a lot of travel time.

Experiencing the Holy Dip

We quickly grabbed our backpacks and headed to the Boat Club. After negotiating for a suitable motorboat, we began our 25-minute ride to Triveni Sangam. The confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers was a breathtaking sight. The stillness of the Yamuna and the strong currents of the Ganga created a striking contrast.

Standing in the midst of the confluence, I could feel the powerful flow of the Ganga’s waters. Completing the ritual and taking the holy dip was a surreal experience. We captured some photos for memories before heading back to the Boat Club and returning to our hotel by 5:30 PM.

Visiting the Lete Hue Hanuman Ji (Reclining Hanuman) Temple

“Lete Hue Hanuman Ji” (Reclining Lord Hanuman) also known as “Shri Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir” or “Bandhwa Hanuman Temple” is a rare and significant depiction of Lord Hanuman in a reclining posture. This unique idol is the central attraction near the Triveni Sangam and beside the historic Allahabad Fort. It is considered one of India’s ancient and sacred temples, with deep-rooted spiritual beliefs associated with Lord Hanuman.

This is the only temple in India where Lord Hanuman is seen in a sleeping position, with his head pointing north and legs facing south. The temple is managed by the Baghambari Gaddi and witnesses a large number of devotees, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Despite the heavy crowds on these days, devotees visit throughout the week, seeking the blessings of Shri Lete Hanuman Ji. It is believed that offering a “Nishan” (a flag hoisted on a bamboo pole) fulfills one’s wishes.

After freshening up and enjoying some evening tea, we decided to visit the famous Lete Hue Hanuman Ji Temple. Although the temple was a bit far, the walk was worth it. We arrived just in time for the aarti. The atmosphere was spiritually charged, and all of us felt a powerful, positive energy. It was difficult to leave, but after the aarti, we offered our prayers and headed back to the hotel.

A Morning Adventure for the Shahi Dip

That night, I had a sudden desire to visit the ghat for the Shahi Dip early the next morning. Although I couldn’t find a bike for the ride, I decided to try my luck in the morning.

I woke up at 3:50 AM, got ready, and managed to find someone who could take me to the entrance of Dashashwamedh Ghat. To my surprise, I had to walk over 80 minutes amidst a sea of people heading to the ghat. I finally reached at 5:45 AM, but due to the crowd, I could only refresh myself with the holy water.

After spending some quiet moments at the ghat, I started my return journey, enjoying a cup of kulhad chai along the way. I reached the hotel, had breakfast, and shared my experience with my wife and friends.

Conclusion

Although we couldn’t explore more due to the increasing crowd for Maha Shivaratri and the concluding day of the Maha Kumbh Mela, the experience left a lasting impression on me. Witnessing the faith, devotion, and spiritual energy of countless pilgrims was truly humbling.

Our return journey was filled with reflections and gratitude for being a part of this magnificent event. It was truly a trip to remember.

Summary

My trip to Prayagraj for the Kumbh Mela was a remarkable experience. Despite initial doubts about attending, a spontaneous opportunity led us to witness this incredible event. From the holy dip at Triveni Sangam to visiting the unique Lete Hue Hanuman Ji Temple and navigating the massive crowds for a Shahi Dip, each moment was spiritually enriching. The atmosphere of devotion and faith was overwhelming, making this journey unforgettable. Although we couldn’t explore more due to the crowd, the memories of this pilgrimage will always stay with me.

Some Images used in this blog are credited to their respective sources, including pexels.com