Prayagraj Kumbh Mela 2019 - A Divine and Cultural Gathering

A sacred Hindu festival that attracts visitors from around the world, the Kumbh Mela is a spectacular sight. According to legends, demigods and demons were fighting for “amrit” or the elixir of life when a few drops fell into four places on Earth – Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. Depending on the placement of the planets, the sun and the moon according to astrology, one of these places is rumoured to develop mystical powers. People believe that being physically present in these places at this time grants them access to these mystical powers and that is why the Kumbh Mela is held. Every three years a normal Kumbh Mela is held, every six years is an Ardh (half) Mela and every twelve years Purna Kumbh Mela takes place. The Maha Kumbh Mela is held every 144 years. The last Maha Kumbh Mela was held in 2001 with over 60 million attendees.

The Kumbh Mela of 2019 will be held between 15th of January to the 4th of March. People from around the world come to the Kumbh Mela to heighten their spirituality and bathe in the Triveni Sangam a confluence of the sacred rivers – Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati, to wash off their sins. At this sacred Hindu festival, you can expect a range of devotees from mystical saffron clad Sadhus to hermits and many strict adherents to religious aesthetic practices.

Apart from the religious significance, there is also much to see during the Kumbh Mela. One of the most popular attractions is the Kalagram. This is a creative hub with 13 pavilions that have been constructed to look like a village. There are also many art and crafts and exhibitions as well as shops presenting wares from around the country. There are many cultural events that include folk and traditional music and dance performances as well as several spiritual events. Another way to enjoy the experience is on a cruise that runs on these ancient rivers. The CL Kasturba cruise even offers a cultural performance before dinner.

India is an ancient land with many cultural and religious practices and one of the most amazing is the Kumbh Mela. A place where you can meet people driven by faith and miracles from across the world, this is a festival of the heart as much as it is one of religion. If you plan to travel around UP or India, you can log on to www.odigosguides.com or download the Odigos App to see and explore more of the wondrous and diverse country. Book an India tour guide so you can know more about the multifaceted country and its people.

Comments

World’s Tallest Statue – Statue of Unity

Gujarat has added a new must-visit-destination under its wing and that is Statue of Unity. The statue, dedicated to Indian Statesman and Independence activist Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, is also the tallest statue in the world. The height of the statue is 182 metres and 600 feet approx. It was designed by Indian sculptor Ram V. Sutar and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 31st October 2018 to mark Patel’s 143rd birth anniversary. The statue is located on the river island named Sandhu Bet facing Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada riverbed. It is twice the size of the iconic Statue of Liberty New York and five times taller than the Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. It surpasses the height of Buddha statue at the Spring Temple Buddha, China, which previously held the crown as the tallest statue in the world. It also made another record to build in shortest period of time as it took only 33 months to construct and used around 109 tonnes of iron. The timings to

Jaipur Arts and Crafts – A Treasury of Culture

One of the most colourful and chaotic cities in India, Jaipur is popular with foreigners and Indians alike. The Pink City, as it is also called, is a beautiful holiday destination with no shortage of things to see. The Jantar Mantar, the City Palace, the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur showcase some of the most stunning examples of Rajasthani architecture. The city is also home to delicious delicacies from local cuisine as well as excellent options for those that prefer international fare. Perhaps one of the reasons that make this city such an attractive destination are the local arts and crafts. An excellent way to enjoy these creations is to take a guided tour of the arts and crafts bazaar of the city. Bilal Hussain , a local guide is knowledgeable and friendly, both ideal to enhance your experience. Walks are also advisable so you don’t miss any of these lovely designs. Jaipur’s arts and crafts are unique, the artisans have retained the secrets of their crafts for centur

Decoding Mumbai For First Time Visitors

Mumbai a cosmopolitan metropolis, earlier known as Bombay is largest city of India and one of the most populated cities in the world. The city of Mumbai is situated on the central west coast of India along the Arabian Sea. Apart from this, it also has some major universities, museums, theaters, galleries. Mumbai is a good entry point for traveler in India because you can find both Western standards and discover something new. Day 1: Start your day in the most touristic neighborhood Colaba. First landmark to visit is Gateway of India, built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and his wife Maria von Teck to Mumbai Its dome shaped structure and magnificent architecture makes it is one of the popular landmarks of the city. Facing this, there is Taj Hotel, which is one among the majestically built hotels in India. On moving further you can find one of the popular museums, The Prince of Wales Museum where you can see objects from field of art archelogy and nat

Odigos Guides

Search This Blog