Prayagraj: Maha Kumbh Mela is known as the largest gathering of people on earth. It began with grand celebrations in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. On the inaugural day, an immense crowd gathered at the Sangam to take a sacred dip, seeking spiritual liberation or ‘moksha.’ This year’s Maha Kumbh began on Monday with the holy ritual of amrit snan, coinciding with ‘Paush Purnima.’
The confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati has turned into a lively hub of devotion, culture and human spirit, attracting participants from around the world to witness the rare celestial phenomenon, which repeats every 144 years. Occurring every four years at one of four Indian locations, the Maha Kumbh Mela holds immense religious significance. This year’s grand festival is scheduled from January 13 to February 26, offering a unique cultural and spiritual experience. Here is how to reach the grand religious event:
By air
Prayagraj Airport, located 13 km from the city, offers regular flights from major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Hyderabad. In response to the high influx of visitors, airlines have improved their connectivity, with Prayagraj expecting 117 weekly departures by February. New direct flights from cities like Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Kolkata and Guwahati have been introduced.
Flights from Delhi to Prayagraj are priced between Rs 5,000 and Rs 7,500 during the peak period from January 13-19. For those unable to find a direct flight, nearby airports like Varanasi (130 km), Lucknow (200 km) and Kanpur (120 km) offer alternatives. Travellers can take a taxi or train to reach Prayagraj from these airports.
By train
Prayagraj is well-connected by rail with eight key stations, including Prayagraj Junction, Rambagh, Sangam and Naini Junction. Major trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, such as Rajdhani Express, Vande Bharat, and Poorva Express, ensure easy access to the city. Special trains, including 98 by the Western Railway and over 3,300 extra services, will be available to accommodate the high number of pilgrims.
By road
Prayagraj is accessible by road from major cities through a network of national highways and expressways. The road routes include:
- Delhi to Prayagraj: 700 km (approx. 11 hours)
- Lucknow to Prayagraj: 200 km (approx. 4-5 hours)
- Varanasi to Prayagraj: 120 km (approx. 3 hours)
- Kanpur to Prayagraj: 200 km (approx. 4-5 hours)
The key highways connecting Prayagraj are NH-19 (Delhi to Prayagraj), NH-27 (Lucknow to Prayagraj), and the Yamuna Expressway (Delhi to Agra). Government and private buses, including services by UPSRTC, operate AC and non-AC buses to Prayagraj from cities like Delhi, Varanasi, Lucknow and Kanpur.
