A location where, according to the Bollywood the male siblings used to get separated in their boyhood and reunify as grown-ups — Kumbh Mela, rejoiced four times in the course of twelve years is the largest gathering on the planet where over tens of millions of people, primarily Hindus, believe performing the bathing ritual in the water believed holy washes off all sins. Traditionally, the fairs are held at four distinctive places across India: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain. This year, over a course of 55 days during January 15 to March 4, the auspicious fair is happening at Prayagraj — the Sangam City (formerly Prayagraj), a place where the beginning and end of the life cycle exists all in the honour of Ganga. The junction or Sangam of the Ganges, the Yamuna and the mythical river Saraswati have portrayed considerable significance in Hindu Mythology. Pious pilgrims, Sadhus, and Aghoris assemble here to bathe in the holy water of the sacred confluence. Envision a glorious sunrise awakens with the bass of likely thousands of chimes ringing triumphantly in a pulse in lieu of your regular alarm tone, a million voices chorusing the Vedic verses, saints addressing the masses and contemplating. It's definitely one of the life experiences for everybody — beyond religious faith, it is solely not spiritual but inspirational too. Maybe words can't articulate the ambience of Kumbh Mela; one needs absorb to decipher the atmosphere. The Kumbh at Prayagraj is present on the UNESCO's Representative List of 'Intangible Heritage of Humanity'.

Schedule of Kumbh Mela 2019

The Ardh Kumbh Mela commence at Prayagraj on the 15th of January and finishes on the 4th March 2019. The mentioned below are the important dates:

Makar Sankranti -15-01-2019/Tuesday: This day observes the ceremonial inauguration of sacred offerings at the Kumbh Mela. This glorious day typically denotes the entering of the Sun in its following astronomical point as per the Hindu calendar.

Paush Purnima -21-01-2019/Monday: It is the uncertified beginning of Kumbh Mela. It is the 15th day in the month of Shukla of the Hindu calendar month Paush.

Mauni Amavasya (Somvati) -04-02-2019/Monday: Huge number of worshippers at Kumbh Mela experience the pious dip on this day as of this date the planetary spots are reckoned to be precisely the most positive for bathing in the sacred confluence.

Basant Panchami -10-02-2019/Sunday: According to the Hindu Mythology, the day celebrates the Goddess of Knowledge Saraswati. The yellow attire signifies the auspicious day's considerable importance.

Maghi Purnima -19-02-2019/Tuesday: It moves a tremendous figure of enthusiastic devotees to the spiritual ghats in a faith that they will be directed to paradise in their heavenly order.

Mahashivratri -04-03-2019/Monday: This specific date universally holds profound worth for the ardent devotees of Lord Shiva. The day is significant of the ultimate pious bath of the Kalpvasis.

The story behind the Kumbh

Kumbh makes its divine origin in its title from the eternal Pot of Elixir, which the Demigods (Devtas) and Demons (Asuras) fought over, described in primaeval Vedic sacred text recognized as the Puranas. Pious legend recites a tale from the bygone days of the Creation when the deities and the demons collectively churned out the divine nectar of immortality. It is phrased that the demigods and the demons assembled on the coastline of the milk ocean that happens to be present in the heavens. And it started off! For the Herculean task of stirring up the milk ocean, the Mandara Mountain was put to use as the churning rod, and Vasuki, the royal personage of serpents, turned the rope for churning. Lastly, Dhanwantari came forth with the Kumbh of immortal nectar. Bing petrified of the demons' unkind intention,the deities tried to seize the sacred vessel escorted by the four Gods — Brahaspati, Surya, Shani, and Chandra, who were given custody of its protection.
Demons, after learning their share of the pact has not been kept, tailed behind demigods and for 12 days and 12 nights. It is supposed that right through the period of this chase, a few droplets of the elixir from the Kumbh tumbled at four spots — Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik. These quartets are since deemed to have undoubtedly asserted spiritual dominance. Since 12 days of Gods are equal to 12 years for human being; the Kumbh Mela is observed once every 12 years in each one of the four places — banks of the river Ganges in Haridwar, river Godavari in Nasik, river Kshipra in Ujjain, and at the Sangam of Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati in Prayagraj, where the drops are popularly believed to have fallen. Likely millions of devout pilgrims come together to participate in ritualistic bathing and ceremonials activities to purify themselves of all sins.

Major Attractions of Kumbh 2019

It all begins with the Peshwai which marked as the onset of the fair. People from all over the world are welcomed to begin the auspicious Mela. The Saints arrive in huge groups seated on elephants, horses and chariots. People shower flowers and petals on the passing parade and the atmosphere is loaded up with festive zeal. Other major temptations for the tourists at this site are:

1. Cultural Events
The fair consists precisely of five main pandals holding progressions of several cultural events which enable you to experience the rich culture and tradition of our nation possesses. Stunning musical performances along with folk dances will give an extra height of experience. If you have an inclination to typically have an otherworldly experience here at the site, make certain you explore all the pandals.

2. Tourist Walks
The UP administration coordinates tourist walks to explore the different parts of the region counting the legendary temples and fortresses. In the Sangam walk, arranged for the tourists touring Prayagraj, you will have an opportune occasion to visit Bade Hanumanji Temple, Patalpuri Mandir, Akshya Vat, historic Prayagraj fort, and Ram Ghat.

3. Waterways
Gratifying in a placid water boat or ferry experience set up by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) on the Yamuna River near Sangam Ghat. The point of departure of this circuit is Sujawan Ghat, to Rail Bridge (Naini Side) to the Boat Club Ghat to Saraswati Ghat, and it finishes at Kila Ghat.

4. Laser Light Show
The laser light show, among miscellaneous things to behold, is captivating for the trippers.

5. Thematic Gates
To be able to drive your way through this giant fair and to enrich the aesthetic charisma of this magnificent fair, the government has also implanted 25 thematic gates, and each one has its own specification. It is also made sure that such entryways can be reprocessed after this year’s fair.

6. Experience 360-degree virtual reality
About 10 stalls are set-up at ideal locations at the Mela where travellers can view promotional videos of Mela by a special VR headset. Exclusive videos of crucial events like Peshwai, auspicious bathing days, Ganga Aarti, etc. can be seen in these stalls.

7. Shopping
Kalagram — the creative hub, where visitors can get a generous slice of Indian art and culture. Visitors can shop the beautiful craft items designed by humble artisans from across India.  

Food to eat at Prayagraj

A nutrition hub has been established at Kumbh Mela zone offering exceptional haute cuisine from various states of India. For seemingly forever, there has been a ritual of provisioning food to crores of devotees trooping the Kumbh. The management also grants designated spots to local food vendors to open up their outlet to indulge tourists and pious pilgrims. Feast on exotic delicacies at 40 food stalls and soothe your spirit with Sathwik Bhojan at this devout pilgrim occasion.

Accommodations Around And At Kumbh Mela

With so many viable alternatives to opt from, wisely decide your budget can select the unique experience that you desire to have.

1. Tents
The administrators of Kumbh Mela provide several tents sheltering at the site itself.

2. Hotels
Prayagraj is mustered with enough hotels to lodge at a budget cost.

How to Reach

How to reach Ardh Kumbh 2019 by flight:

Nearest International Airport from Ardh Kumbh Prayagraj is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi . Thereby you can hire private vehicles for Ardh Kumbh 2019 at Triveni Sangam , Prayagraj.

How to reach Ardh Kumbh 2019 by train:

Direct trains from different places of India are available for Prayagraj. You can hire Private Cab/Shared Auto from Railway Station to Triveni Sangam popularly called Sangam which is the venue of Ardh Kumbh 2019 Mela.

How to reach Ardh Kumbh 2019 by road:

Prayagraj has dense connectivity with other cities of India. Prayagraj has its own Bus Depot which is connected with all the major cities of India.