Alok Prakash 
History of Kumbh
Kumbh Mela’s history originates from the time of creation of the universe. The Gods had lost their strength, and to regain it, they thought of churning the Ksheera Sagara (Primordial Ocean of milk) for amrit, the nectar of immortality. The Gods then made a temporary agreement with their arch enemies, the demons or Asuras to work together, with a promise of sharing the nectar equally thereafter. However, when the Kumbha (urn) containing the nectar appeared, a fight ensued. For 12 days and 12 nights the gods and demons fought for the pot of nectar. It is believed that during the battle, the celestial bird, Garuda the vehicle of Vishnu flew away with the Kumbha of elixir, and that is when drops of nectar fell at four places on earth: Prayag, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik which is why the Kumbh Mela is observed at these places.
The Maha Kumbh Mela which comes after 12 ‘Purna Kumbh Melas’, or 144 years, is held at Allahabad.
Ritual bathing
The major event of the Kumbh is ritual bathing at the banks of the river. Devotees believe that simply by bathing in the Ganges, one is freed from their past sins (karma), and thus one becomes eligible for liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
The Kumbh never sleeps
Religious discussions, devotional singing, mass feeding of holy men and women and the poor, and religious assemblies where doctrines are debated and standardized and other activities that supplement the bathing ritual.
The shouts and cries of ash-smeared sadhus mingle with the neighing of horses, trumpeting of elephants, grunting of camels, bellowing of bulls. Gongs and drums beat, trumpets blare, conch shells blow and bells ring. In the midst of this cacophony, musicians and dancers perform. Its a scene unlike any other that one has seen or will ever see.
Naga Sadhus
Naga Sadhus are followers of the Shiva sect, they are the representatives of Lord Shiva. The distinguishable features of this sect of sadhus include long knotted hair and naked body smeared with ashes and they hold sticks, spears, swords and trident as a symbol of their identity. People drop jaws looking at the yoga kriyas of these grotesque saints.
A trip to the Kumbh ensures an encounter with many sadhus with fascinating character. You might come across one who’s arm has been held aloft for the past 27 years, a man standing on one leg for nearly a decade, a 62 year old who stands barely two feet tall and countless others who make up the 180,000 or so Sadhus who attend the Kumbh, bury themselves in the sand, sleep on piles of thorn bushes or remain silent for years. Some are regarded as prophets, saints and gurus-others as outcasts or criminals.
Akharas
The word akhara refers to an arena or venue for a wrestling match. In the context of the Kumbh Mela, it designates the great congregations of sadhus. There are different dwelling places for different sects.
Traditionally during the Kumbh Mela, the Naga Sadhus, and Akharas lead and initiate the bathing rituals, before the general population steps in.
Kumbh: From a traveler’s perspective
Apart from the Sadhu ashrams, the entire Mela grounds are a riot of sights, sounds, smells, colors and movement. One can travel alone or with a group and soak in the energy and vibe of this grand gathering.
One can also join a photo walk or expedition with a photographer to capture the essence of the Kumbh or choose to attend music and dance events organized in collaboration with renowned artists. There is always something interesting going on simultaneously.
Also See: Kutch Holiday Tour and Travel
How to travel to Prayagraj (Allahabad)
By Air
The Prayagraj (Allahabad) Domestic Airport (Bamrauli Air Force Base), is 12 Km from Allahabad but serves only a limited number of cities in India. Other two nearest airports from Allahabad are Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport in Varanasi (150 Km) and Amausi International Airport in Lucknow (200 Km) which are both well connected to rest of the major cities of India. Daily flights from major airlines are available and local cabs and Interstate buses can be boarded from near the airports to reach Allahabad.
By Rail
Being the headquarters of the North Central Railway Zone in India, Allahabad has eight railway stations within its city limits, all of which are well connected to many of the major cities of India namely – Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bhopal, Gwalior, Jaipur etc. Cabs, Auto Rickshaws, and City buses are available near all the railway stations to reach your onward destination.
By Road
As Prayagraj (Allahabad) is located in the heartland of the great Indian plains, the road density is quite high in these parts and is well connected to rest of the country via National and State Highways. The NH2 runs right through the city while NH27 starts from Allahabad and ends at Mangawan in Madhya Pradesh. NH96 connects to NH28 in Faizabad and brings together two major centers of Hindu Pilgrimage – Allahabad and Ayodhya. The three bus stands of Allahabad cater to different routes of the country through interstate bus services.
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