Pilgrimages have always been an integral part of spiritual life, serving as a bridge between the material and the divine. The Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, attracting millions of devotees who seek purification through a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam. The decision to undertake such a journey is often inspired by deep faith, personal convictions, and, in today’s era, the influence of media.
For me, the portrayal of the grand event by print and electronic media played a significant role in shaping my decision. Watching news channels, reading articles, and scrolling through social media, I was mesmerized by the sight of thousands of devotees, including renowned celebrities, taking the holy dip in the sacred waters of the Sangam. The well-planned arrangements, the spiritual ambiance, and the collective devotion of the masses compelled me to experience this divine journey firsthand.
Thus, along with a group of fifty-two fellow yatris, I set out on a pilgrimage from Dehradun to Prayagraj by bus. Our ultimate goal was to take a holy dip at Triveni Sangam on the auspicious occasion of Amavasya, a day considered highly significant for spiritual purification.
Our journey commenced on January 28, 2025, at 8 PM. The bus was comfortable, ensuring a smooth ride as we embarked on our spiritual quest. The excitement among the yatris was palpable; everyone was eager to experience the divinity of the pilgrimage. Conversations revolved around the grandeur of the Kumbh, the spiritual benefits of the holy dip, and the various rituals that awaited us.
As the bus rolled through the highways, the landscape gradually changed from bustling cityscapes to serene rural settings. The crisp night air and the rhythmic motion of the bus lulled many into a peaceful sleep, while others remained awake, sharing stories of past pilgrimages and discussing their faith.
The journey was progressing smoothly until we neared Ayodhya around 1 PM the next day. It was here that we encountered the first major obstacle—news of a stampede. The tragic incident led to an immediate halt in traffic movement, and we found ourselves stranded about seventy kilometres from Ayodhya’s outskirts.
For nearly two hours, we remained motionless on the road, uncertain about what lay ahead. Anxiety spread among the yatris as we speculated about the situation. Eventually, an official announcement informed us that traffic to Prayagraj would resume only at midnight. With no other option, we decided to divert our journey and visit Ayodhya instead.
Taking alternative routes through off-road paths and villages, we eventually reached Ayodhya. The city, steeped in history and devotion, welcomed us with its spiritual aura. Our first stop was the holy Saryu River, where we took a sacred dip, believing in its power to cleanse our souls. The experience was deeply rejuvenating, filling us with renewed energy and faith.
Following our dip, we proceeded to have darshan of Ram Lala at the newly constructed Ram Mandir. The temple, resplendent in its architectural magnificence, stood as a testament to centuries of devotion and perseverance. The sight of Lord Ram’s idol filled us with an overwhelming sense of peace and reverence.
Next, we visited Hanuman Garhi, a revered temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is believed that seeking blessings here ensures a smooth and successful journey. With our hearts full of divine grace, we resumed our journey towards Prayagraj at 1 AM.
The distance between Ayodhya and Prayagraj is usually covered in five hours. However, due to the massive influx of pilgrims, our journey was far from ordinary. A severe traffic jam left us stranded for nine long hours. The roads were packed with buses, cars, and even devotees traveling on foot.
The atmosphere outside was a mixture of devotion and struggle. People carried their belongings on their heads, children clung to their parents, and elderly pilgrims moved slowly, supported by their loved ones. The sight of such unwavering faith amidst hardship was both inspiring and heart-wrenching.
After enduring the exhausting delay, we finally reached Prayagraj at 4:30 PM. Fatigued yet determined, we disembarked and began our long walk towards Triveni Ghat, eager to complete our spiritual mission.
The Eighteen-Kilometer Pilgrimage on Foot
From where we were dropped off, Triveni Ghat was still eighteen kilometres away. Determined to reach our destination, we began walking, joining thousands of other pilgrims on the same path. Along the way, we witnessed grand Akharas, where sadhus and saints resided, engaged in meditation and religious discourse. Social service camps lined the streets, offering food, water, and medical aid to weary travellers. Despite the immense crowd, a sense of unity and devotion prevailed—everyone was here for the same purpose, bound by faith.
The journey was physically demanding. The weight of our exhaustion grew with every step, yet our spirits remained high. As we neared the ghat, authorities redirected us to an alternate route due to overcrowding. This unexpected detour added to our fatigue, but we pressed on, driven by our faith and determination.
Upon reaching Triveni Ghat, we were met with an overwhelming sight—millions of devotees immersed in the sacred waters. The ghat was filled to capacity, the air thick with chants of devotion and the splashing of holy water.
However, the stark disparity in facilities was immediately apparent. The ghats showcased on television—clean, organized, and equipped with boats—were reserved for VIPs and privileged devotees. In contrast, the common ghats were overcrowded and chaotic, lacking basic facilities. Yet, the faith of the common people remained unshaken.
As we stepped into the holy waters, a profound sense of peace washed over us. The currents of the Triveni Sangam—where the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati meet—seemed to cleanse not only our bodies but also our souls. The journey had been arduous, but in that moment, every hardship felt worthwhile.
While our pilgrimage was ultimately fulfilling, it highlighted the struggles faced by rural devotees. Many, unaware of available accommodations in Akharas or government shelters, were left wandering in search of a place to rest. Some slept on the open ground, while others continued moving, sustained only by their unwavering belief.
The transportation system, though extensive, posed another challenge. Reaching designated bus stands amidst the sea of pilgrims was a daunting task. Many elderly and physically challenged devotees struggled to navigate through the dense crowd.
Despite these difficulties, their faith never wavered. It is this unshakable devotion that keeps religious traditions alive. The Mahakumbh is not just about grand arrangements or media coverage—it is about the countless devotees who endure unimaginable hardships to uphold their beliefs.
Our pilgrimage to Prayagraj was a journey of faith, endurance, and self-discovery. The influence of media had drawn us in, but experiencing the reality of the Kumbh Mela first-hand was a revelation. It showed us the stark contrast between privilege and struggle, between well-organized facilities and the chaos faced by the common pilgrim.
Yet, through it all, the spirit of devotion remained unbroken. It is the ordinary devotees, the ones who walk miles with nothing but faith in their hearts, who truly keep religion alive. Their determination, resilience, and unwavering belief are the true essence of the Kumbh Mela.
As we departed Prayagraj, we carried with us not only the blessings of the holy dip but also a deep respect for the millions who embark on this journey, year after year, solely driven by faith. Their devotion is a testament to the enduring power of spirituality, proving that no obstacle is too great when one walks the path of belief.
(Author is RK Columnist and can be reached at: [email protected])
