The Call of the Sangam, Mahakumbh 2025 - A journey that was destined! Chapter 1

For many who grew up in India, particularly in Hindu families, the concept of pilgrimage is woven into the fabric of our identity. We hear stories of sacred journeys from a young age—to the Char Dham, the 12 Jyotirlingas, or the powerful Shaktipeeths. But among all these, the Kumbh Mela holds a unique place. It’s more than a pilgrimage; it’s a spiritual phenomenon. We know it through headlines: the world’s largest gathering of people, a spectacle visible from space, a confluence of sadhus from ancient akharas. Yet, for me, it remained a distant legend—until it became a personal calling.

The Seed of an Idea

My first conscious awareness of the Kumbh Mela’s pull came in 2013, during the Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj (then Allahabad). As a 28-year-old, I felt a spark—a pure, quiet intuition that I would attend a Kumbh one day. The "when" and "where" were unclear, and the impulse wasn't strong enough to act upon immediately. Through subsequent editions in Nashik, Ujjain, and Haridwar, the feeling lingered, a gentle but persistent idea at the back of my mind.

Working in the tourism industry, I’m conditioned to track major global events, assessing their impact on travel. So, when I noted the dates for the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela in early 2024, that dormant spark was ignited. This wasn't just another event on a calendar; it was a deadline for a dream. I knew, with sudden clarity, that I had to be there. I was randomly asking my acquaintances in Vancouver, if they know about the Maha Kumbh and if anyone is thinking of attending it. 

The Practical Dilemmas

However, reality quickly introduced its complications. I was already planning a trip to India in May 2024 for my son’s Mundan ceremony. A second trip within eight months, especially during a peak event like the Kumbh, is a significant financial undertaking. Flights and accommodation prices soar, making it a substantial investment.

Yet, the timing was also deeply alluring. The Maha Kumbh was scheduled from Makar Sankranti (January 14th) to Mahashivratri (February 26th). This meant I could potentially celebrate the kite-flying festival in my hometown of Jaipur with my father—a cherished annual tradition—before journeying to the Kumbh. The thought was incredibly powerful, a chance to weave together familial joy and spiritual quest. Little did I know it would be our last kite festival together.

Just as I was reconciling the costs, a second family commitment arose. My sister was planning her son’s Mundan ceremony for 2025. After much coordination, the date was set for March. My heart sank. Traveling to India twice in two months was simply not feasible. With a heavy heart, I accepted that the Kumbh was not destined for me in 2025. I let the dream go.

The Rekindling Flame

Couple of months later, in early October, during a birthday conversation with my childhood friend, Baba, I shared my disappointment. To my surprise, he was immediately captivated by the idea. "If you decide to go," he said, "I'm in."

His enthusiasm was contagious. I revisited the idea with my wife, and with renewed hope, I reached out to a friend in the Indian Army. I recalled the serene Allahabad Cantonment from my past SSB visit and wondered, almost impossibly, if accommodation might be found there. To my astonishment, the answer was a tentative "yes." They just needed dates.

The plan crystallized instantly: celebrate Makar Sankranti with my family in Jaipur, then take a train to Prayagraj with Baba for a three-day immersion in the Kumbh Mela.

From Dream to Reality: The Execution

What followed was a whirlwind of divine coordination. I called Baba with the tentative dates of January 17th-19th. His answer was an instant, unwavering "Yes."

The logistical pieces fell into place with surprising ease. I secured our train tickets from Jaipur to Prayagraj and back to Delhi, booked my international flight from Vancouver, and, most miraculously, received final confirmation from the Officer’s Mess in Allahabad Cantt. Within a week, a dream that had flickered for over a decade was suddenly, tangibly real—a testament to both meticulous planning and the incredible camaraderie of 111-Nirantars and of the uniformed forces.

My journey to the Kumbh was no longer a distant legend. It was an itinerary, a promise, and a pilgrimage finally coming to life.

Pre-preps and the itinerary

Although everything was falling into place very quickly, it was still 2 months for me to leave for India. A lot of preparation had to go into how my work will be handled and how the household responsibilities will be taken care of back in Canada. All kudos to my boss- Santosh for being most accommodative. He was aware that I am travelling again to India in March and yet he approved this leave knowing how dearly I wanted to be at the Kumbh Mela. 

My friends in the army, shared numbers of the mess JCO and NCO who spoke to me with utmost respect, knowing that their CO (super boss) is my course-mate from the NDA.

Baba was moving a bit slowly thought. Eventually, by early December his tickets were booked too. He was flying from Hyderabad to Lucknow and then taking a train to Prayagraj. Baba's train was due to reach at 4 Am and mine at 6 Am on the 17th of Jan. I mean what an immaculate plan! 

My flight to India was booked for the 10th of Jan arriving in New Delhi on the afternoon of 11th. I was to spend 11th to 16th Jan in Jaipur with my parents and take a train to Prayagraj on the afternoon of 16th, thereby taking a train to New Delhi on the evening of 19th. 

All this was happening between 15th Nov and 20th Dec 2024. I was doing a side gig at my friend Ankur's pet food business to fund some part of my last minute trip to India. I used the festive deals to upgrade my phone, so that I can get the best shots from a phone camera whilst avoiding the need to carry a larger one. I thought a bit ahead and purchased two waterproof and airtight phone pouches. This product certainly made my life easier when I took a holy dip in the Sangam. 

The day of travel was nearing and while that was to happen my little one was to join his new daycare. We were concerned that, him being just a 3 year old might take a little more time to adjust to the new place and my timing of travel to India might be a hinderance to this. I really appreciate my wife who lived up to the occasion to let me travel worry free for something that comes once in every 144 years. Yes, this was the exact time, when the news buzz picked up around the Kumbh Mela talking about its significance. I had known this fact for almost a year now, but this was now getting mainstream and picking up steam. More people were searching about the Mela and I was feeling really proud about confirmed train tickets, confirmed officer's mess accommodation and a chance to fly kites with my father. 

Story continues in the following chapters....