[ashesh]

I recently visited the Kumbh mela. Here are few photos I took there:


Pontoon bridge towards Jhusi side


Pontoon bridge towards Sangam side


Kumbh mela has its own post office


The road to the mela


Not to be separated this time


A serene view of Sangam

[ashesh]

I stayed in Sangam Tent Colony (UPTDC swiis cottages). The biggest advantage was, there was parking inside so that we parked our car right in front of out tent. Also it was just 1-1.5 km from Sangam and mela.

UPTDC Swiss cottages. On the right side you see Maharaja cottages. They were only 10 in number.


These are deluxe cottages where I stayed.


All cottages were named after rivers.


The cottages was spacious. There was also a small dressing space outside the room.


This was the main worry but the bathroom was tiled and with a wash basin.


The dining hall


The buffet was included in the package. There was limited choice. The quality of the food was good.


Papad, Rajma, Paneer and Tandoori roti. what else can one ask for?


The view of the Sangam tent colony in night.

[ashesh]

NOTE: At Kumbh mela, do not miss Sangam mein Dubki aur jalebi ke saath garam doodh ki chuski .



Listening to pravachan from gyani log is another to do at Kumbh mela




Large tents have been erected by various Ahkaras to glorify their establishments.



Bikers enjoying the evening breeze at banks of river Ganga




These kids throw magnets attached with ropes to fetch coins. If lucky the rope sometimes come out with a Rolex or two




A well illuminated river bank




An evening boat ride has its charm




Beautiful sunset at Sangam

[ashesh]

A beautiful cutout of Lord Shiva - Har Har Mahadev!!



The sleeping beauty




Loud speakers are installed everywhere near Sangam area



It was just impossible to capture the beauty so I tried and tried



A view of Sangam early in the morning



A devotee coming out after taking a holy dip



Taking some rest ahead of the busy day



Morning boat ride at Sangam




Various stages of a flight



Pushpanjali to Maa Ganga

[ashesh]

The Sangam point bathing in golden light



People rushing for an early morning snan



You have to be there to feel the energy



Ram nam ki loot machi hai, loot sake to loot




Metal sheets have been put in Mela area for easy movement of vehicles




Its all about shopping, you silly






kash-m-kash

[ashesh]

The march to salvation



This large mandap is made of hay



Jal police on alert. Hats off to them. They had already saved more than 68 people from drowning when I was there



Pushpanjali



Ashish Rai - My partner in this endeavor



Jhunsi ka badshah kaun!!!




O re maanjhi...



The colors of faith



The firangi express - whatever it takes

[ashesh]

You can see the different colors of water. Yamuna is the one with bluish water.



A view of the Sangam ghat.



Devotees at the river bank



Doosra Kinara



Pushp ki abhilasha



The demarcated area for bathing




The shallow waters of Ganga



The Arail ghat




You can have a fantastic view of mela from here

[ashesh]

We have been so long on this planet yet our basic instincts are same. We fear and respect the unknown. Same goes with Naga sadhus. Their mystic attract us towards them.

This Sadhu claims that he has not put his hand down for ages. Not sure what it proves,
maybe we all need something to focus on to test our determination?



Sadhu putting tika on a devotees forehead



Taking blessing from a sadhu

Note: There were some photos of Naga sadhus which were considered inappropriate by Moderator (mobike008). I have removed them.

[ashesh]

Sunset near Sangam



Going home



This is "Jal Thana" yeah you heard it right... A floating police station.



Divine...



Sitting alone



A view of the bridge



An evening boat ride



The calm water



The busy river bank



A railway bridge




The city of lights



Waiting to serve



Kumbh Nagari



Mission accomplished



-END-

[mobike008]

Note from Mod : Moved to Travelogues Section. Thanks for sharing !!!

[laluks]

Thanks for showing us the various moods from the Kumbh. I was feeling very unhappy that I could not make it there, and then comes your lovely log. Thanks a ton ashesh .

[bblost]

Rating your thread a very well deserved 5 stars.

Thank you so much for the lovely pictures.
Can you also add in some details like how much was the rent at the tent, the food you enjoyed. The awesome atmosphere of the event.

Thanks

[neel385]

Loved your pictures. The early morning/evening pictures are really good!!

The Mela is considered a magnet for photographers, however I was surprised that you did not put up more portraits which the mela is famous for. Maybe not your thing?

[v&v]

Some great snaps there Ashesh. Your post will be help-full for my visit to Kumbh in Feb end.

I think i have seen these pic in BCMT too ?
Direction to Sangam tent colony will be very help full.

[sa_kiran]

Nice pics lucky Ashesh. Looking at the pictures of arrangements, I get a feeling that if the govt makes same kind of effort in other areas, UP will be a far better state than it is now.