Corinthian Travel has created a unique, 10-day itinerary to coincide with the Ardh Kumbh Mela festival, which will take place between 15 January and 4 March 2019. The festival takes place every six years.
The mystical Ardh Kumbh Mela is an extraordinary spectacle that draws millions of devout Hindu pilgrims and chilim-smoking (ganja), ash-smeared, bare-bodied sadhus (ascetics), to the banks of the Triveni Sangam, at the confluence of the three sacred rivers: Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati, on the outskirts of Allahabad.
The private, chauffeured tour, has been designed to provide a chance to soak up the carnival-like atmosphere that pervades the makeshift fairground.
Muffled prayers, sacred chants and religious messages, are broadcast around the clock, filling the air, whilst grand processions led by spiritual leaders of various akaharas (religious groups) provide a glimpse into the diverse range of traditions, and interpretations that has shaped Hinduism over several thousand years.
Experience the mystical atmosphere and witness the power of faith as several thousand pilgrims race to the ‘Sangam’ to join the pre-dawn ‘aarti’ (prayer) ceremony and take a dip in the ice-cold waters.
Interact with the naked ‘Naga Sadhus’ who have renounced all-worldly pleasures as well as ‘Sadhus’ who have embraced modern technology to reach out to their followers.
And, as the festival unfolds, there will be opportunities to photograph the rituals, colourful processions and poignant moments, where faithful devotees are seen offering prayers at the water’s edge amidst all the chaos and cacophony.
Accommodation at the Ardh Kumbh Mela is at the Sangam Niwas Camp, which is regarded as ‘the place’ to stay and experience this greatest show on earth. Set on a hillock overlooking the bathing ghats and offering panoramic views of the Ardh Kumbh Mela, the Sangam Niwas Camp is conveniently located offering guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Kumbh Mela (fair) as well as unwind in a serene setting and reflect on a truly sublime and surreal experience.
The holiday costs from £2,345 pp (two sharing), which includes private, chauffeured transportation throughout, nine nights B&B (plus three lunches and three dinners), private and shared boat trips, sightseeing entrance fees, and a guide. Flights extra (bookable through Corinthian Travel).
To book, call Corinthian Travel on 020 3583 6089, or visit: www.corinthiantravel.co.uk.
