{"id":13116,"date":"2019-02-23T23:24:23","date_gmt":"2019-02-24T04:54:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/?p=13116"},"modified":"2022-12-29T10:20:07","modified_gmt":"2022-12-29T10:20:07","slug":"hindu-festivals-what-holy-dip-in-mahakumbh-and-ardhkumbh-in-prayagraj-means","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/hindu-festivals-what-holy-dip-in-mahakumbh-and-ardhkumbh-in-prayagraj-means\/","title":{"rendered":"HINDU FESTIVALS &#8211; WHAT HOLY DIP IN MAHAKUMBH AND ARDHKUMBH IN PRAYAGRAJ MEANS!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_55 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-662c3f957e612\"><span class=\"\"><span style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-662c3f957e612\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/hindu-festivals-what-holy-dip-in-mahakumbh-and-ardhkumbh-in-prayagraj-means\/#HINDU_FESTIVALS_%E2%80%93_WHAT_HOLY_DIP_IN_MAHAKUMBH_AND_ARDHKUMBH_IN_PRAYAGRAJ_MEANS\" title=\"HINDU FESTIVALS &#8211; WHAT HOLY DIP IN MAHAKUMBH AND ARDHKUMBH IN PRAYAGRAJ MEANS?\">HINDU FESTIVALS &#8211; WHAT HOLY DIP IN MAHAKUMBH AND ARDHKUMBH IN PRAYAGRAJ MEANS?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/hindu-festivals-what-holy-dip-in-mahakumbh-and-ardhkumbh-in-prayagraj-means\/#KUMBH_MELA_PRAYAGRAJ_A_SPIRIRITUAL_JOURNEY\" title=\"KUMBH MELA, PRAYAGRAJ : A SPIRIRITUAL JOURNEY!\">KUMBH MELA, PRAYAGRAJ : A SPIRIRITUAL JOURNEY!<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/hindu-festivals-what-holy-dip-in-mahakumbh-and-ardhkumbh-in-prayagraj-means\/#I_stood_there_alone_observed_smiled_to_no_one_and_soaked_in_the_intense_atmosphere_Kumbh_Mela_in_Prayagraj_is_the_biggest_leveler_that_the_universe_has_ever_seen_or_will_ever_see\" title=\"I stood there alone, observed, smiled to no one and soaked in the intense atmosphere. Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is the biggest leveler that the universe has ever seen or will ever see. \">I stood there alone, observed, smiled to no one and soaked in the intense atmosphere. Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is the biggest leveler that the universe has ever seen or will ever see. <\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/hindu-festivals-what-holy-dip-in-mahakumbh-and-ardhkumbh-in-prayagraj-means\/#HOLY_DIP_IN_THE_GANGA_RIVER_DURING_KUMBH_MELA_PRAYAGRAJ\" title=\"HOLY DIP IN THE GANGA RIVER DURING KUMBH MELA, PRAYAGRAJ\">HOLY DIP IN THE GANGA RIVER DURING KUMBH MELA, PRAYAGRAJ<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/hindu-festivals-what-holy-dip-in-mahakumbh-and-ardhkumbh-in-prayagraj-means\/#I_used_to_make_fun_of_all_religions_back_then_I_have_become_more_accepting_now_though_still_an_atheist\" title=\"I used to make fun of all religions back then. I have become more accepting now, though still an atheist! \">I used to make fun of all religions back then. I have become more accepting now, though still an atheist! <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/hindu-festivals-what-holy-dip-in-mahakumbh-and-ardhkumbh-in-prayagraj-means\/#EVEN_AN_ATHEIST_CAN_FIND_GOD_IN_KUMBH_MELA_PRAYARAJ\" title=\"EVEN AN ATHEIST CAN FIND GOD IN KUMBH MELA, PRAYARAJ:\">EVEN AN ATHEIST CAN FIND GOD IN KUMBH MELA, PRAYARAJ:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/hindu-festivals-what-holy-dip-in-mahakumbh-and-ardhkumbh-in-prayagraj-means\/#SCENES_FROM_KUMBH_MELA_PRAYAGRAJ_WHICH_STAY_WITH_YOU\" title=\"SCENES FROM KUMBH MELA, PRAYAGRAJ WHICH STAY WITH YOU:\">SCENES FROM KUMBH MELA, PRAYAGRAJ WHICH STAY WITH YOU:<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/hindu-festivals-what-holy-dip-in-mahakumbh-and-ardhkumbh-in-prayagraj-means\/#LISTEN_TO_A_BHAJAN_IN_KUMBH_MELA_PRAYAGRAJ\" title=\"LISTEN TO A BHAJAN IN KUMBH MELA, PRAYAGRAJ\">LISTEN TO A BHAJAN IN KUMBH MELA, PRAYAGRAJ<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/hindu-festivals-what-holy-dip-in-mahakumbh-and-ardhkumbh-in-prayagraj-means\/#KUMBH_MELA_PRAYAGRAJ_%E2%80%93_A_SANGAM_OF_EXTREME_COLD_FAITH_DETERMINATION\" title=\"KUMBH MELA, PRAYAGRAJ \u2013 A SANGAM OF EXTREME COLD, FAITH &amp; DETERMINATION:\">KUMBH MELA, PRAYAGRAJ \u2013 A SANGAM OF EXTREME COLD, FAITH &amp; DETERMINATION:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/hindu-festivals-what-holy-dip-in-mahakumbh-and-ardhkumbh-in-prayagraj-means\/#Kumbh_Mela_is_said_to_be_the_biggest_playground_for_Hindus_from_all_over_the_world_and_also_world%E2%80%99s_largest_congregation_of_humans_at_a_place_You_don%E2%80%99t_need_to_promote_it_Devotees_and_Sadhus_have_been_visiting_Kumbh_Mela_since_thousands_of_years_in_huge_numbers_We_never_cared_for_Guinness_Book_Of_World_Record\" title=\"Kumbh Mela is said to be the biggest playground for Hindus from all over the world and also world&#8217;s largest congregation of humans at a place. You don\u2019t need to promote it. Devotees and Sadhus have been visiting Kumbh Mela since thousands of years in huge numbers. We never cared for Guinness Book Of World Record. \">Kumbh Mela is said to be the biggest playground for Hindus from all over the world and also world&#8217;s largest congregation of humans at a place. You don\u2019t need to promote it. Devotees and Sadhus have been visiting Kumbh Mela since thousands of years in huge numbers. We never cared for Guinness Book Of World Record. <\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/hindu-festivals-what-holy-dip-in-mahakumbh-and-ardhkumbh-in-prayagraj-means\/#QUIRKY_FUNNY_AND_A_LOT_OF_MASTI_AT_KUMBH_MELA_PRAYAGRAJ\" title=\"QUIRKY, FUNNY AND A LOT OF MASTI AT KUMBH MELA, PRAYAGRAJ\">QUIRKY, FUNNY AND A LOT OF MASTI AT KUMBH MELA, PRAYAGRAJ<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/hindu-festivals-what-holy-dip-in-mahakumbh-and-ardhkumbh-in-prayagraj-means\/#THIS_I_ALL_I_REMEMBER_FROM_KUMBH_MELA_1995_%E2%80%93_PRAYAGRAJ\" title=\"THIS I ALL I REMEMBER FROM KUMBH MELA 1995 &#8211; PRAYAGRAJ\">THIS I ALL I REMEMBER FROM KUMBH MELA 1995 &#8211; PRAYAGRAJ<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/hindu-festivals-what-holy-dip-in-mahakumbh-and-ardhkumbh-in-prayagraj-means\/#Byomkesh_Bakshi_Kumbh_Mela_%E2%80%93_What%E2%80%99s_the_connection\" title=\"Byomkesh Bakshi &amp; Kumbh Mela \u2013 What\u2019s the connection? \">Byomkesh Bakshi &amp; Kumbh Mela \u2013 What\u2019s the connection? <\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/hindu-festivals-what-holy-dip-in-mahakumbh-and-ardhkumbh-in-prayagraj-means\/#My_parents_could_have_just_abandoned_me_in_the_crowds_because_it_is_so_easy_for_a_kid_to_get_lost_in_Kumbh_Mela_No_body_would_have_known_But_they_tolerated_my_tantrums_patiently\" title=\"My parents could have just abandoned me in the crowds because it is so easy for a kid to get lost in Kumbh Mela. No body would have known! But, they tolerated my tantrums patiently!\">My parents could have just abandoned me in the crowds because it is so easy for a kid to get lost in Kumbh Mela. No body would have known! But, they tolerated my tantrums patiently!<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/hindu-festivals-what-holy-dip-in-mahakumbh-and-ardhkumbh-in-prayagraj-means\/#COMING_BACK_TO_KUMBH_MELA_2019_%E2%80%93_PRAYAGRAJ\" title=\"COMING BACK TO KUMBH MELA 2019&nbsp; &#8211; PRAYAGRAJ\">COMING BACK TO KUMBH MELA 2019&nbsp; &#8211; PRAYAGRAJ<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/hindu-festivals-what-holy-dip-in-mahakumbh-and-ardhkumbh-in-prayagraj-means\/#SWACHCH_BHARAT_AT_ITS_BEST-_KUMBH_MELA_PRAYAGRAJ_2019\" title=\"SWACHCH BHARAT AT ITS BEST- KUMBH MELA, PRAYAGRAJ 2019\">SWACHCH BHARAT AT ITS BEST- KUMBH MELA, PRAYAGRAJ 2019<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/hindu-festivals-what-holy-dip-in-mahakumbh-and-ardhkumbh-in-prayagraj-means\/#GETTING_LOST_AND_FOUND_IS_A_THING_IN_KUMBH_MELA_%E2%80%93_ONLY_IN_PRAYAGRAJ\" title=\"GETTING LOST AND FOUND IS A THING IN KUMBH MELA \u2013 ONLY IN PRAYAGRAJ! \">GETTING LOST AND FOUND IS A THING IN KUMBH MELA \u2013 ONLY IN PRAYAGRAJ! <\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/hindu-festivals-what-holy-dip-in-mahakumbh-and-ardhkumbh-in-prayagraj-means\/#BEING_BLESSED_BY_A_NAGA_SADHU_WAS_ONE_OF_THE_BEST_MOMENT_AT_KUMBH_MELA\" title=\"BEING BLESSED BY A NAGA SADHU WAS ONE OF THE BEST MOMENT AT KUMBH MELA:\">BEING BLESSED BY A NAGA SADHU WAS ONE OF THE BEST MOMENT AT KUMBH MELA:<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/hindu-festivals-what-holy-dip-in-mahakumbh-and-ardhkumbh-in-prayagraj-means\/#Pls_subscribefollowlike\" title=\"Pls subscribe\/follow\/like:\">Pls subscribe\/follow\/like:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"HINDU_FESTIVALS_%E2%80%93_WHAT_HOLY_DIP_IN_MAHAKUMBH_AND_ARDHKUMBH_IN_PRAYAGRAJ_MEANS\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">HINDU FESTIVALS &#8211; WHAT HOLY DIP IN MAHAKUMBH AND ARDHKUMBH IN PRAYAGRAJ MEANS?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This blog is about the largest festival of the world. On the auspicious day of Mauni Amavasya during the Ardhkumbh 2019, 5,00,00,000 Hindus took a holi dip in Ganga river, locally known as Ganga Maiyya or Ganga Maa. Both Maiyya and Maa means mother. I had also attended the Mahakumbh in 2013. This blog is based upon both the Kumbh experiences, 6 years apart. Kumbh festivities changed a lot in the past 6 years. So had I, I discovered! <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-13104\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"614\" height=\"922\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-35.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (35)\" class=\"wp-image-13104\"\/><figcaption>Sadhu or the holy man. Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Incredible India!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"KUMBH_MELA_PRAYAGRAJ_A_SPIRIRITUAL_JOURNEY\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>KUMBH MELA, PRAYAGRAJ : A SPIRIRITUAL JOURNEY!<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>This happened in the Mahakumbh 2013 in Prayagraj, <a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/2018\/06\/03\/first-dussehri-tree-of-the-world-offbeat-budget-family-road-trip-from-lucknow-to-mango-capital-of-india-malihabad\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Uttar Pradesh<\/a>. As soon as I reached the Kumbh Mela grounds, I was pulled by the chants of Hare Rama, Hare Krishna in a distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13078\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-7.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (7)\" class=\"wp-image-13078\"\/><figcaption>The white woman dancing on the tunes of Hare Ram, Hare Krishn. Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Incredible India!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I ran towards the direction of sound and stumbled upon this scene &#8211; A <a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/2017\/07\/02\/mygrationstory-of-a-filipino-living-in-dubai\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">foreigner woman<\/a> dressed awkwardly in a sari (On a T shirt, meh!) and danced to the tunes of the holy Hindu bhajan; a man on <em>dholak<\/em> (Indian musical instrument) sang along, another one sold Shrimad Bhagwad Geeta (Hindu Holy book) to passer byes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13112\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/sadhu-saint-ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-41.jpg\" alt=\"Sadhu Saint Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (41)\" class=\"wp-image-13112\"\/><figcaption>A sadhu. Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Incredible India!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A man dancing behind the foreigner woman was a local, who, like many others was pulled in the whirlpool of &#8216;Bhakti&#8217; (Devotion), <a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/2018\/10\/24\/chakradhar-samaroh-in-raigarh-chattisgarh-celebration-of-indian-classical-music-dance-and-theatre\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">dancing <\/a>in a trance like stance like no one&#8217;s watching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13114\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/sangam-ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-25.jpg\" alt=\"Sangam Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (25)\" class=\"wp-image-13114\"\/><figcaption>Sunrise at Sangam is the most pure thing you will ever experience. A dip here on Mauni Amavasya is a must! Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Incredible India!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote><h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"I_stood_there_alone_observed_smiled_to_no_one_and_soaked_in_the_intense_atmosphere_Kumbh_Mela_in_Prayagraj_is_the_biggest_leveler_that_the_universe_has_ever_seen_or_will_ever_see\"><\/span><em><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">I stood there alone, observed, smiled to no one and soaked in the intense atmosphere. Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is the biggest leveler that the universe has ever seen or will ever see.<\/span> <\/strong><\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><\/blockquote>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-13113\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"614\" height=\"922\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/sadhu-saint-ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-40.jpg\" alt=\"Sadhu Saint Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (40)\" class=\"wp-image-13113\"\/><figcaption>Some quiet moments. Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Incredible India!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"HOLY_DIP_IN_THE_GANGA_RIVER_DURING_KUMBH_MELA_PRAYAGRAJ\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>HOLY DIP IN THE GANGA RIVER DURING KUMBH MELA, PRAYAGRAJ<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Some scenes from Mahakumbh have forever remained etched in my memory. Sample this &#8211; A devotee bathes his favourite Shri Krishn Bhagwan while also singing praises for him in the sacred river Ganga. The curious women, also taking a holy dip in Ganga ji, surround him, agape mouthed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13094\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-23.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (23)\" class=\"wp-image-13094\"\/><figcaption>This devotee knows how to draw all the attention to him! Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Incredible India!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I shot this (Please see picture) in Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh which happens once in every 12 years. Kumbh Mela is said to be the biggest playground for <a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/2018\/11\/11\/epic-kailash-mansarovar-yatra-the-great-indian-food-trip-season-3\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Hindu<\/a> rituals from all over the world. Kumbh Mela is also world&#8217;s largest congregation of humans at a place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13092\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-21.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (21)\" class=\"wp-image-13092\"\/><figcaption>A devotee bathes his favourite Hindu God &#8211; Shri Krishn. Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Incredible India!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When this man entered the water, it was winters and very very cold. It was a <a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/2018\/11\/01\/pattachitra-in-heritage-village-raghurajpur-odisha-offbeat-solo-budget-trip-from-puri\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">solo and budget trip<\/a>. What ice bucket challenge are they talking about? We have been doing it since thousands of years in India. Without the hashtags!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13093\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-22.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (22)\" class=\"wp-image-13093\"\/><figcaption>A man bathes Shri Krishn while the woman looks on, amused! Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Incredible India!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I recently travelled again during the Ardhkumbh, 2019, this time with a large group of 40 bloggers, V Loggers etc. &nbsp;My friend <a href=\"http:\/\/www.traveldiaryparnashree.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Parnashree <\/a>asked me, \u201cWhat has brought 5 crore people (in a day?) here?\u201d. I replied, \u201cFaith\u201d, smiled and looked away! Much water has flown under the bridge since the last Kumbh that I had attended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13111\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/pontoon-bridge-ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-1.jpg\" alt=\"Pontoon Bridge Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (1)\" class=\"wp-image-13111\"\/><figcaption>Pontoon Bridges. Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Incredible India!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote><h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"I_used_to_make_fun_of_all_religions_back_then_I_have_become_more_accepting_now_though_still_an_atheist\"><\/span><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">I used to make fun of all religions back then. I have become more accepting now, though still an atheist!<\/span> <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13083\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-12.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (12)\" class=\"wp-image-13083\"\/><figcaption>This picture of mine shot at Mahakumbh 2013 was published in Lonely Planet Magazine India in May 2013. Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Incredible India!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"EVEN_AN_ATHEIST_CAN_FIND_GOD_IN_KUMBH_MELA_PRAYARAJ\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>EVEN AN ATHEIST CAN FIND GOD IN KUMBH MELA, PRAYARAJ:<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>This picture and text by me was published in May 2013 issue of Lonely Planet Magazine India. Thank God, even then I wrote Ganga not an anglicized Ganges! Sharing the full version of the text which I had submitted:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>\u201cAfter spending a long tiring day shooting at Maha Kumbh 2013, my eyes still wide eyed with all that I saw since morning, I settled down to rest at a lonely corner on the hay stacks near the holy Ganga river. The night at Kumbh looked even better. Relaxed and energised by the crisp February breeze of Allahabad (Prayagraj), my eyes settled on this woman praying by river Ganga . <\/em><\/p><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>She performed the pooja at a silent corner, away from the mayhem and chaos of main \u2018mela\u2019 premises. Being an atheist, I was wondering since morning what is the motivation which brings a sea of humanity to this humble city at Kumbh year after year. I stopped questioning religion and faith when I saw this lady being truthful to her faith with complete devotion and surrender. There was something magical about this moment. Something \u2018je nais se quoi\u2019. If you want to understand India and its 5,000 year old history and culture, Kumbh is the place to be!&#8221;<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13118\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"642\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/img-20190224-wa00001843413183515971216.jpg\" alt=\"img-20190224-wa00001843413183515971216.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-13118\"\/><figcaption>My picture and brief writing published in Lonely Planet Magazine India in May 2013 edition. Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For thousands of years, Hindus have revered the life giving Ganga river. It&#8217;s amazing that the tradition is alive till date. It\u2019s not uncommon to hear people referring the river as Gangaji, the suffix &#8216;ji&#8217;&nbsp;humanizes&nbsp;the majestic river.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-13110\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"614\" height=\"922\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/naga-sadhu-ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-36.jpg\" alt=\"Naga Sadhu Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (36)\" class=\"wp-image-13110\"\/><figcaption>A Naga Sadhu. Those hair are life goals! Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Incredible India!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"SCENES_FROM_KUMBH_MELA_PRAYAGRAJ_WHICH_STAY_WITH_YOU\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>SCENES FROM KUMBH MELA, PRAYAGRAJ WHICH STAY WITH YOU:<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Sample another scene:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c\u095b\u093f\u0928\u094d\u0926\u0917\u0940 \u090f\u0915 \u0915\u093f\u0930\u093e\u092f\u0947 \u0915\u093e \u0918\u0930 \u0939\u0948,\u090f\u0915 \u0928 \u090f\u0915 \u0926\u093f\u0928 \u092c\u0926\u0932\u0928\u093e \u092a\u095c\u0947\u0917\u093e.<br>\u092e\u094c\u0924 \u091c\u092c \u0924\u0941\u091d\u0915\u094b \u0906\u0935\u093e\u095b \u0926\u0947\u0917\u0940, \u0918\u0930 \u0938\u0947 \u092c\u093e\u0939\u0930 \u0928\u093f\u0915\u0932\u0928\u093e \u092a\u095c\u0947\u0917\u093e.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cLife is like a rented house, one day you have to move out.<br>When death knocks at your door, you have to vacate the house.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13088\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-17.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (17)\" class=\"wp-image-13088\"\/><figcaption>Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Incredible India!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The little girls sung this song with detached emotions on their face (they were thinking about Shinchan) in Maha Kumbh mela in Prayagraj; as if unintentionally enacting the detachment conveyed in the song.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13089\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-18.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (18)\" class=\"wp-image-13089\"\/><figcaption>Profound gyan by the kids as Gods stays unfazed! Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Incredible India!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I froze in the moment, observing their song, dance and expressions and wondered if the kids even understood the deep meaning of the song. There was something very attractive in what I saw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13084\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-13.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (13)\" class=\"wp-image-13084\"\/><figcaption>Kids having a whale of a time. Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Incredible India!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The other kids had the easier job of pretending as God and goddess (They were thinking of Poori Sabzi!) while the adults played musical instruments and collected money from the audience. (Also embarrassingly announced \u2018who gave how much\u2019 on mike!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13085\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-14.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (14)\" class=\"wp-image-13085\"\/><figcaption>Local Kids. Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Incredible India!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I assumed it was a Hindu folk song. Once I was back home, I was surprised to discover on You Tube that it\u2019s in fact Islamic qawwali. Told you, India never fails to amuse and surprise me. There is always unity in diversity in India! I wish I had done a video recording of this scene. For those who want to listen to the song, here\u2019s the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=IN019ubcJQA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">You Tube link<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-13090\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"614\" height=\"922\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-19.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (19)\" class=\"wp-image-13090\"\/><figcaption>The holy dip cleanses you of all sins. Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Incredible India!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"LISTEN_TO_A_BHAJAN_IN_KUMBH_MELA_PRAYAGRAJ\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>LISTEN TO A BHAJAN IN KUMBH MELA, PRAYAGRAJ<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I continued moving around the Kumbh Mela Grounds. It was dark when I was indulging in <em>akhada<\/em> hopping. I had started early morning. I saw one young Hindu devotee learning his lessons as a <em>mandli<\/em> (group) of <em>bhajan<\/em> singers sang a melodious <em>bhakti<\/em> song with interesting musical instruments in the next <em>pandal<\/em> (tent).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-13076\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"614\" height=\"922\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-4.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (4)\" class=\"wp-image-13076\"\/><figcaption>A sadhu in Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Incredible India!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Yes, Kumbh fair in Prayagraj is the best place to see Hinduism in all its forms. Well, most! I stayed riveted to the ground beneath my feet as I absorbed the moment. The moment has stayed with me till date!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13087\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-16.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (16)\" class=\"wp-image-13087\"\/><figcaption>Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Incredible India!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"KUMBH_MELA_PRAYAGRAJ_%E2%80%93_A_SANGAM_OF_EXTREME_COLD_FAITH_DETERMINATION\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>KUMBH MELA, PRAYAGRAJ \u2013 A SANGAM OF EXTREME COLD, FAITH &amp; DETERMINATION:<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bathed in the blinding floodlights of the Kumbh Mela Grounds, a holy man offers his prayers to river Ganga, considered sacred for Hindus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13080\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-9.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (9)\" class=\"wp-image-13080\"\/><figcaption>Holy Dip in river Ganga. A dip in Sangam is considered the most sacred. Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Incredible India!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It was early morning and really cold, yet the river was full of scantily clad devotees absorbed in their private conversation with their mother. In India, <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ganges\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">river Ganga<\/a> is often referred to as mother \u2013 Ganga Maa\/Maa Gangey\/Ganga Maiyya). The cold didn&#8217;t deter the devotees.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-13079 aligncenter\">\n<figure class=\"alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-8.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (8)\" class=\"wp-image-13079\"\/><figcaption>Devotees take a holy dip in Ganga Maiyya despite the cold. Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Incredible India!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<blockquote><h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kumbh_Mela_is_said_to_be_the_biggest_playground_for_Hindus_from_all_over_the_world_and_also_world%E2%80%99s_largest_congregation_of_humans_at_a_place_You_don%E2%80%99t_need_to_promote_it_Devotees_and_Sadhus_have_been_visiting_Kumbh_Mela_since_thousands_of_years_in_huge_numbers_We_never_cared_for_Guinness_Book_Of_World_Record\"><\/span><em><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Kumbh Mela is said to be the biggest playground for Hindus from all over the world and also world&#8217;s largest congregation of humans at a place. You don\u2019t need to promote it. Devotees and Sadhus have been visiting Kumbh Mela since thousands of years in huge numbers. We never cared for Guinness Book Of World Record.<\/span> <\/strong><\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13101\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-32.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (32)\" class=\"wp-image-13101\"\/><figcaption>Of peace amidst chaos. I love the contrast in this picture! Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Incredible India!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In Hinduism everything is revered. Be it stone, animals, snakes, trees or even rivers. In Prayagraj, people throng to pay homage to Ganga river, locally called as \u2018Maa Ganga\u2019 (Mother Ganga)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13100\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-31.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (31)\" class=\"wp-image-13100\"\/><figcaption>Everyone is a God and Goddess in the Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Incredible India! Those expressions though!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You see those people taking the Holy bath in the pictures? It was winters, around 6:30 a.m. and very cold. But that DIDN\u2019T DETER THE DETERMINATION OF PEOPLE. Devotess as old as 90 visit Kumbh Mela.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13106\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-38.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (38)\" class=\"wp-image-13106\"\/><figcaption>A sadhu showing off his flexibility. Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Incredible India!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"QUIRKY_FUNNY_AND_A_LOT_OF_MASTI_AT_KUMBH_MELA_PRAYAGRAJ\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>QUIRKY, FUNNY AND A LOT OF MASTI AT KUMBH MELA, PRAYAGRAJ<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Kumbh Mela is not always about deep spiritual experiences. It is also about having a little fun and sense of humour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u092c\u0941\u0922\u093c\u090a, \u092e\u093e\u0928\u094b \u091c\u094b \u0915\u0939\u0928\u093e \u0939\u092e\u093e\u0930, \u0928\u0939\u093e\u090f \u0924\u093f\u0930\u0935\u0947\u0926\u0940 \u091a\u0932\u093e&#8230;&#8230;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(Old Man. Listen to me. Let&#8217;s go for a dip in Triveni)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13103\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-34.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (34)\" class=\"wp-image-13103\"\/><figcaption>Man dresses as woman and jumps around the stage as the God and Goddess stays calm. Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Incredible India!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The sound of this song escaped a colossal tent. Curious, I entered and saw a man dressed as woman in saari jumping on the stage (her braid swaying) with an old man. The Ram Sita Jodi (local dressed as Ram ji an Sita ji) stayed calm despite all the mayhem on the stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13077\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-5.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (5)\" class=\"wp-image-13077\"\/><figcaption>Don&#8217;t ask me what that doll represents? Some quirky moments at Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Incredible India!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Both were mischievous and had mastered playful expressions. It was fun to watch this light hearted song and dance in Kumbh Mela while everyone else was busy in serious chants and mantras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13109\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/naga-sadhu-ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-6.jpg\" alt=\"Naga Sadhu Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (6)\" class=\"wp-image-13109\"\/><figcaption>A Naga Sadhu with matted hair and <em>Rudraksh<\/em> overload. Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Incredible India!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"THIS_I_ALL_I_REMEMBER_FROM_KUMBH_MELA_1995_%E2%80%93_PRAYAGRAJ\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>THIS I ALL I REMEMBER FROM KUMBH MELA 1995 &#8211; PRAYAGRAJ<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>When <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lonelyplanet.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lonely Plant Magazine India<\/a> and <a href=\"http:\/\/uptourism.gov.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Uttar Pradesh Tourism Board<\/a> invited me to visit the Ardh Kumbh of 2019, childhood memories flashed before my eyes. I had stayed in Prayagraj from 1994 to 1998 near Mama Bhanja Ka Talaab in Naini and Allahpur. I have been visiting Kumbh Mela since my first experience of Kumbh in 1995. I have faint memories of my first Kumbh experience.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-13105\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"614\" height=\"922\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-37.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (37)\" class=\"wp-image-13105\"\/><figcaption>A Naga Sadhu. Look at those dreadlocks. Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Incredible India!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Byomkesh_Bakshi_Kumbh_Mela_%E2%80%93_What%E2%80%99s_the_connection\"><\/span><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Byomkesh Bakshi &amp; Kumbh Mela \u2013 What\u2019s the connection?<\/span> <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The only thing I remembered was that I was cranky, irritable because they were going to disclose the name of the killer in the very popular detective show <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Byomkesh_Bakshi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Byomkesh Bakshi<\/a>. I had been irritating and nagging my parents in Kumbh Mela.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13081\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-10.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (10)\" class=\"wp-image-13081\"\/><figcaption>Devotees at Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Incredible India!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"My_parents_could_have_just_abandoned_me_in_the_crowds_because_it_is_so_easy_for_a_kid_to_get_lost_in_Kumbh_Mela_No_body_would_have_known_But_they_tolerated_my_tantrums_patiently\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><em><strong>My parents could have just abandoned me in the crowds because it is so easy for a kid to get lost in Kumbh Mela. No body would have known! But, they tolerated my tantrums patiently!<\/strong><\/em><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><\/blockquote>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-13099\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"614\" height=\"922\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-30.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (30)\" class=\"wp-image-13099\"\/><figcaption>Kids dress up as Gods and Goddesses. Kumbh Mela , Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>We reached home just in the nick of the time. I was crestfallen as I discovered there was no power at home. Those were the days of long power cuts and no You Tubes or repeat telecasts. I have still not figured out who that killer was. It doesn\u2019t matter now! I have not seen TV since 2007.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13082\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-11.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (11)\" class=\"wp-image-13082\"\/><figcaption>It&#8217;s a lonely planet! Kumbh Mela , Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>And I have found meaning in Kumbh. I have grown up as a kid since 1995, not only physically, but also spiritually! Throw in some traumatic struggles with religion in between though! &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13095\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-24.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (24)\" class=\"wp-image-13095\"\/><figcaption>Early morning scenes at Kumbh Mela , Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"COMING_BACK_TO_KUMBH_MELA_2019_%E2%80%93_PRAYAGRAJ\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>COMING BACK TO KUMBH MELA 2019&nbsp; &#8211; PRAYAGRAJ<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>First things first, during the Kumbh of 2019, I had returned to Prayagraj after a very long time. 6 years to be precise! (No prizes for guessing this!) I had anticipated huge crowds, filth, smoke, pollution, noise, plastic, open defecation etc. I did meet huge crowds but the other paraphernalia were clearly missing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13108\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ganga-aarti-ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-2.jpg\" alt=\"Ganga Aarti Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (2)\" class=\"wp-image-13108\"\/><figcaption>Ganga Aarti &#8211; Kumbh Mela , Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The honorable Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh <strong>Mr. Yogi Adityanath<\/strong> and honorable Prime Minister of India <strong>Mr. Narendra Modi<\/strong> have changed the face of Uttar Pradesh. I can vouch for it as I grew up in various cities of North India. Being a resident, I have seen how Lucknow received a makeover after Yogi ji took office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13075\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-3.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (3)\" class=\"wp-image-13075\"\/><figcaption>Sadhus &#8211; the holy men. Kumbh Mela , Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>But I was shocked to see the miraculous cleanliness and orderliness at Kashi and Prayagraj. On Mauni Amavasya, more than 5 crore (which is double the entire population of Australia) devotees congregated at the Kumbh premises to take a holy dip in the much revered Ganga maiyya. Despite the huge crowds, the devotees were well behaved, walked in lines and followed rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13098\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-29.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (29)\" class=\"wp-image-13098\"\/><figcaption>A holy man. Kumbh Mela , Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"SWACHCH_BHARAT_AT_ITS_BEST-_KUMBH_MELA_PRAYAGRAJ_2019\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>SWACHCH<\/strong> <strong>BHARAT AT ITS BEST- KUMBH MELA, PRAYAGRAJ 2019<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An old man from rural India was about to pee on the open ground in Kumbh Mela. He had taken \u2018his position\u2019. Then he looked right and entered one of the mobile toilets which were omnipresent this year. This was the defining moment of <strong>Swachch Bharat campaign<\/strong> for me, an unprecedented initiative by honorable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13086\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-15.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (15)\" class=\"wp-image-13086\"\/><figcaption>Some quite moments are possible in Kumbh despite the huge crowds. Kumbh Mela , Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the other achievements of Kumbh 2019 were 1 lakh super clean mobile toilets across the Kumbh premises (Even outside it), a dustbin and toilet 5 minutes walk from anywhere in Kumbh Mela, areas divided in the tent city in sectors (The lost and found section this year was not very busy), Makeshift ATMs across the Kumbh Mela Grounds, rooms for devotees to change clothes, free bus and rickshaw rides to reach Kumbh Mela and get out of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13074\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/akbar-fort-sangam-ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-26.jpg\" alt=\"Akbar Fort Sangam Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (26)\" class=\"wp-image-13074\"\/><figcaption>My boatman. I did a boat ride from Akbar Fort (in background) and Sangam. Kumbh Mela , Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Even the \u2018<em>pooja samagri\u2019<\/em> offered by the devotees were not allowed to flow into the holy river beyond the barricades in water. It was a miracle. I have been visiting Kumbh since more than 20 years now. Never before, had I seen such amazing logistics.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-13102\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"614\" height=\"922\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-33.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (33)\" class=\"wp-image-13102\"\/><figcaption>Pause for a moment when you are in the Kumbh Mela and enjoy the Hindu bhajans.&nbsp; Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Growing up, I have had to face the jokes on my state <a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/2018\/08\/16\/dilkusha-kothi-ruined-in-mutiny-of-1857-offbeat-lucknow-uttar-pradesh-india\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Uttar Pradesh<\/a>. Though, I think that has changed forever. The new Government has restored the pride of people of Uttar Pradesh, one of the most important regions (Political, religious and spirituality wise) in India. And I can see only upward mobility from here!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13107\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-39.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (39)\" class=\"wp-image-13107\"\/><figcaption><em>&#8220;Tu sher ki bachchi hai&#8221; <\/em>(You are the daughter of a lion&#8221;), said the Naga Sadhu when she did a good job with the <em>chillam.<\/em> Only at Kumbh Mela , Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"GETTING_LOST_AND_FOUND_IS_A_THING_IN_KUMBH_MELA_%E2%80%93_ONLY_IN_PRAYAGRAJ\"><\/span><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">GETTING LOST AND FOUND IS A THING IN KUMBH MELA \u2013 ONLY IN PRAYAGRAJ!<\/span> <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>They say a visit to the Kumbh Mela is not complete unless you are lost and found here. Me and my travel blogger friend Parnashree Devi got lost twice when we got separated from our group of 40 plus bloggers. After a tumultuous 30 minutes we did manage to find them again (Remember, sectors?) amidst the massive crowds. It was fun to get lost and instead of sweating we enjoyed being lost in Kumbh Mela. Our happiness (on being lost, eh!) was visible in the videos of the same which we shared on our social media platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13097\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-28.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (28)\" class=\"wp-image-13097\"\/><figcaption>Kumbh Mela , Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"BEING_BLESSED_BY_A_NAGA_SADHU_WAS_ONE_OF_THE_BEST_MOMENT_AT_KUMBH_MELA\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>BEING BLESSED BY A NAGA SADHU WAS ONE OF THE BEST MOMENT AT KUMBH MELA:<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As we were moving around near Juna Akhada, anxious and impatient to find our group again, the sight of a mischievous Naga Sadhu stopped us in our tracks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As I began taking his pictures, he called me and rubbed ash on my head and forehead. It was a blessing. Then he called Parnashree. Hesitant and nervous, she inched closer to the Naga Sadhu. <em>\u201cTopi Utaar\u201d<\/em> (Remove the hat!), he ordered Parnashree. She obeyed faster than an elephant obeys a <em>mahout<\/em>. He rubbed ash on her head too and upon learning that she was recently married, he prophesized, \u201cYou will become a mother soon!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Check out my tweet on him. Picture by Parnashree Devi<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"embed-twitter\"><blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Got the blessing from a very friendly Naga Sadhu at <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/KumbhMela?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#KumbhMela<\/a><br><br>It&#39;s not even February, my best trip of 2019 is done.<br><br>I am amazed with cleanliness<br><br>Follow me on Instagram <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/JJuPC27JuX\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/t.co\/JJuPC27JuX<\/a><br><br>Follow <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/ASoulWindow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#ASoulWindow<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/ChaloKumbh2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#ChaloKumbh2019<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Prayagraj?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#Prayagraj<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Hindu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#Hindu<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/NamoAgain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#NamoAgain<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/myogiadityanath?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@myogiadityanath<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/e2lKMUzsQ3\" target=\"_blank\">pic.twitter.com\/e2lKMUzsQ3<\/a><\/p>&mdash; ABHINAV SINGH (@asoulwindow) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/asoulwindow\/status\/1092095969125154816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">February 3, 2019<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>WE RAN AWAY, feeling good about the situation and our personal moments with the very cool Naga Sadhus. I am not sure about when the baby is happening though we were blessed enough to be reunited with our group a few minutes after this exciting rendezvous. Kumbh Mela is all about happy endings!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13096\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-27.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (27)\" class=\"wp-image-13096\"\/><figcaption>Moments from Kumbh Mela , Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Please follow the hashtag #ASoulWindow on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for my free tips, pictures, videos and information on all things travel!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><em><strong>Spread the love, share this blog<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Got any question\/comments, ask in the comment section below so that it can benefit other readers.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Email me for collaboration: 21abhinav21@gmail.com<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em><strong>Be a part of my journey on social media. The travel content I create there is different from this blog.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13119\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1152\" height=\"864\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/img-20190224-wa0001281636225289686928.jpg\" alt=\"img-20190224-wa0001281636225289686928.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-13119\"\/><figcaption>Me outside my luxury tent near Kumbh Mela grounds. Pic by <a href=\"https:\/\/thrillingtravel.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ami Bhat<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pls_subscribefollowlike\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Pls subscribe\/follow\/like:<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC8K8pGNVByDAfy7kNKl7mAA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">You Tube<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/asoulwindow\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Twitter<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/asoulwindow\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/A-Soul-Window-Travel-Blog-by-Abhinav-Singh-322014484524692\/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>WARNING : COPYRIGHT TO ALL THE CONTENT SHARED HERE REMAINS WITH ME. THE IMAGES AND TEXT IN THIS BLOG ARE BY ME UNLESS MENTIONED OTHERWISE. YOU CAN NOT JUST LIFT THE CONTENT AND USE IT WITHOUT MY PERMISSION. STRICT LEGAL ACTION WILL BE TAKEN IF CONTENT IS STOLEN. YES, I AM SERIOUS.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-13091\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"614\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-20.jpg\" alt=\"Ardhkumbh Mahakumbh Magh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh (20)\" class=\"wp-image-13091\"\/><figcaption>Early morning scenes at Kumbh Mela , Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>HINDU FESTIVALS &#8211; WHAT HOLY DIP IN MAHAKUMBH AND ARDHKUMBH IN PRAYAGRAJ MEANS? This blog is about the largest festival of the world. On the auspicious day of Mauni Amavasya during the Ardhkumbh 2019, 5,00,00,000 Hindus took a holi dip in Ganga river, locally known as Ganga Maiyya or Ganga Maa. Both Maiyya and Maa &hellip;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"> <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/hindu-festivals-what-holy-dip-in-mahakumbh-and-ardhkumbh-in-prayagraj-means\/\"> <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">HINDU FESTIVALS &#8211; WHAT HOLY DIP IN MAHAKUMBH AND ARDHKUMBH IN PRAYAGRAJ MEANS!<\/span> Read More &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13092,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[47,75],"tags":[],"modified_by":"asoulwindow","uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-21.jpg",922,614,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-21.jpg",150,100,false],"medium":["https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-21.jpg",300,200,false],"medium_large":["https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-21.jpg",768,511,false],"large":["https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-21.jpg",922,614,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-21.jpg",922,614,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ardhkumbh-mahakumbh-magh-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-uttar-pradesh-21.jpg",922,614,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"asoulwindow","author_link":"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/author\/abhinav2111\/"},"uagb_comment_info":13,"uagb_excerpt":"HINDU FESTIVALS &#8211; WHAT HOLY DIP IN MAHAKUMBH AND ARDHKUMBH IN PRAYAGRAJ MEANS? This blog is about the largest festival of the world. On the auspicious day of Mauni Amavasya during the Ardhkumbh 2019, 5,00,00,000 Hindus took a holi dip in Ganga river, locally known as Ganga Maiyya or Ganga Maa. Both Maiyya and Maa&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13116"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13116"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13116\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17672,"href":"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13116\/revisions\/17672"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13092"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13116"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13116"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13116"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}