Guided PhotoTour:
Ardh Kumbh Mela at Allahabad (Prayagraj), 2019
The Kumbh Mela occurs once every 12 years, and is celebrated in four major pilgrim centres around the country--Allahabad, Haridwar, Nasik and Ujjain. The Kumbh Mela at Allahabad is by far the most hallowed and spectacular of all the religious events in India. In 2019 the Ardh Kumbh Mela is being held in Allahabad. The previous Kumbh Mela attracted over 120 million pilgrims and visitors from around the world. This Ardh Kumbh is as spectacular as the other Kumbh Melas with extensive photo opportunities:
We have specially chosen the best auspecious dates for witnessing this grand event lead by a team of photographers who have handled photo tours of this magnitude earlier, including the Kumbh Mela. Since there will be a huge rush for this mega event, especially for the quality accommodation that we are providing, please secure a seat on this once-in-a-lifetime event ASAP. To know more about the event: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumbh_Mela |
One of the main attractions of the Kumbh Mela are the ‘Shahi Snans’ — Royal Baths. During the ‘Shahi Snan’ thousands of devotees assemble to get a glimpse of the procession of ascetics parading as they make their way to the ghats for a holi dip.
On the main bathing dates, a colorful and magnificent procession of radiant saints sitting on chariots and horses is witnessed by thousands of Kumbh visitors. These sadhus, belonging to various Akharas (camps) take a holy dip first and only then the ordinary pilgrims are allowed to take a bath. During the Kumbh, the ceremonial procession of the Naga sadhus believed to be an auspicious sight has all the trappings of royalty. The Mahant is seated on a silver throne placed upon a caparisoned chariot. Around him are hundreds of Naga ascetics on foot, wielding lances, their naked bodies smeared with ash. Camels and horses are also part of this procession which signifies the old Hindu organisation of the Chaturanga sena, or four-limbed army, moving towards the holy waters of the river. The Shahi Snans dates in 2019
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Kumbh derives its name from the immortal Pot of Nectar, which the Demigods (Devtas) and Demons (Asuras) fought over, described in ancient Vedic scriptures known as the Puranas. Legend tells a tale from the bygone days of the universe when the demigods and the demons jointly produced the nectar of immortality. The demigods, being cursed, were crippled of fear that eventually made them weak. The task being too sturdy for them alone, the demigods made a mutual agreement with the demons to complete it in full and share the nectar of immortality in half. It is said that the demigods and the demons assembled on the shore of the milk ocean that lies in the celestial region of the cosmos. And it began! For the task of churning the milk ocean, the Mandara Mountain was used as the churning rod, and Vasuki, the king of serpents, became the rope for churning. With the demigods at Vasuki’s tail and the demons at his head, the churning began. At first, the churning of the milk ocean produced a deadly poison which Lord Shiva drank without being affected. As Lord Shiva drank the poison, a few drops fell from his hands which were licked by scorpions, snakes, and similar other deadly creatures. Also, during the churning, the Mandara Mountain began to sink deep into the ocean, seeing which Lord Vishnu incarnated as a great tortoise and supported the mountain on His back. Finally, many hurdles and 1000 years later, Dhanwantari appeared with the Kumbh of immortal nectar in his hands. The demigods, being fearful of the demons ill intent, forcibly seized the pot with its safety entrusted onto the four Gods - Brahaspati, Surya, Shani, and Chandra. Demons, after learning that their part of the agreement has not been kept, went after the demigods and for 12 days and 12 nights, the chase continued. It is believed that during this chase, a few drops from the Kumbh fell at four places - Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik. Because 12 days of Gods are equivalent to 12 years for humans; the Kumbh Mela is celebrated once every 12 years in each of the four places - banks of river Godavari in Nasik, river Kshipra in Ujjain, river Ganges in Haridwar, and at the Sangam of Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati in Allahabad, where the drops are believed to have fallen. Millions of devout, come together to partake in ritualistic bathing and ceremonies to cleanse themselves of all their sins.
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Sample images from previous Kumbh Melas. Images by Sanjay Nanda. All rights reserved worldwide with the copyright holder.
TOUR DATES
Tour 1: 02-05 Feb 2019 (4D/4N) Tour 2: 08-11 Feb 2019 (4D/4N) + Extended Tour: 06-07 Feb 2019 + Pre-tour Briefing. TOUR FEE: Deluxe Package
TOUR FEE: Premium Package
TOUR FEE: Luxury Package
Please read all details on this page and Detailed Terms and Conditions, Disclaimer / Undertaking in the Registration cum Booking Form. TOUR LEADERS
Sanjay Nanda + Others |
ITINERARY
Day X: Pre-tour briefing about the attractions of the tour, safety precautions for the equipment and photographer during the tour, travelling instructions to/from your city to Kumbh Camp, etc. This presentation will be made via Skype about 15-30 days before departure. Day 1: Arrive Varanasi. Pickup from Varanasi Airport and transfer to Allahabad by road. Proceed to Camp. Spend day exploring the Kumbh Mela area around the Sadhu Gram (Camps for all Sadhu Akharas). Overnight at the Camp. Day 2: Spend day exploring the Kumbh Mela area near the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna River and around the Sadhu Gram. Overnight at the Camp. Day 3: Early morning shoot during Shahi Snan. Rest of the day shooting around the Sadhu Gram. Overnight at the Camp. Day 4: Spend day exploring the Kumbh Mela area around the Sadhu Gram. Overnight at the Camp. Day 5: Depart Allahabad early in the morning latest by 10:00 am for Varanasi by road. Drop-off at Varanasi Airport. Accommodation in spacious weather proof tents at the IndiPix Kumbh Camp, Allahabad: It is located in the Kumbh City that is specially erected for the Kumbh Mela, on the banks near the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna River. (The above images are for reference only. They have been shot by the tour leader or supplied by the accommodation provider and are subject to change in terms of facilities shown.)
Details of the facilities at the IndiPix Kumbh Camp: Accommodation in spacious well appointed weather proof tents. Attached toilets with western style comode and running hot & cold water. Clean bed furnishings and toilet towels. Personal veranda with resting chairs. Complimentary mineral water and toiletries. Sufficient power points with power backup. Multi-cuisine vegetarian dining facility in a huge and comfortable Dining Tent. Camp fully secured with CCTV cameras and security guards. Extra Paid Services available: Room service. 24 Hrs running coffee shop. Travel Desk. Doctor on call. Cycles on rent. Laundry Services. Pundits for religious ceremonies. |
Tour Inclusions:
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Tour exclusions:
Cancellation
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Tour Extras:
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Please read all details on this page and Detailed Terms and Conditions, Disclaimer / Undertaking in the Registration cum Booking Form.
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