Prayagraj (Allahabad) - A "mini" Kumbh Mela

 


It made sense to stop in Allahabad, recently renamed to its Hindu name, Prayagraj, on my way to Varanasi, plus I learned a 'mini' Kumbh Mela was being held right at this time. The annual Magh Mela is much smaller in scale than the Maha Kumbh Mela, held once in every 12 years, but it is still quite large and lasts over 50 days. It is located exaclty where the big event is, on the banks of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, connected by pontoon bridges and boats. It is the Triveni Sangam, the junction of three holy rivers, with the mythical Saraswati River being the third. Bathing at this location is said to flush away all of one's sins and free one from the cycle of rebirth. A complete tent city is built for the event, with main and secondary roads, shops, eateries, ashrams, and living quarters. Infrastructure to cater for the masses of people is also provided. In the ashrams various events take place, and many offer free food.  I also received one meal at a temple. Meeting the sadhus resulted in the same effect as last time on the 2001 Maha Kumbh Mela. 

























































































































































































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