A Journey to Prayagraj – A must Do Ritual of this Life !! Tick Marked

It all started on a regular day at the office front yard when I met Chanda. She had a spark in her eyes when she said, “We must plan a trip to Prayag.” I didn’t even think twice before agreeing. Something about the idea of visiting Prayagraj, especially during the Mahakumbh, felt right. We decided we would go after the 4th of February, and from there, the excitement began to build.

As days passed, Chanda took charge of planning. She coordinated everything, fixed the dates, and by the time she conveyed the final plan, we had settled on the 8th of February 2025. A total of six of us (Chanda, Suraj, Suhita, Manish, Adwait and Me) were going, and the anticipation grew stronger with each passing day.

Finally, the day arrived. It was 8th February, Saturday, and we were all set to board Sanjay Travels at 8:30 PM from Bhole Petrol Pump Stop. I was constantly in touch with Chanda, who had already boarded from the first stop.

Siya and Kartik came to drop us off, and there was a mixture of emotions—excitement, curiosity, and a hint of nervousness. As we waited, Chanda kept explaining about the co-travelers—who they were, how they looked, where they would be standing—but as usual, I struggled to recognize anyone.

Then, at last, the bus arrived. Chanda called, signaling where they were standing, and I rushed toward them. That was the moment I met our fellow travelers for this sacred journey to Mahakumbh in Prayagraj. It was an odd yet thrilling moment—meeting strangers who were about to become an integral part of this experience.

Once we boarded and settled into our seats, introductions started. I only knew Chanda, and the other four were completely new to me. Soon, we found ourselves divided into two groups of three—one group moved to the back of the bus, while our trio stayed at the front. The division happened naturally, based on acquaintance, friendship, and age.

This is where I got introduced to Manish Pushplata, Chanda’s friend. We instantly clicked, and conversations began to flow. The initial awkwardness faded as we shared stories, laughter, and the mutual excitement of the trip. By midnight, we had become friends.

We spent the late hours chatting, all three of us squeezed into one seat, enjoying the journey in each other’s company. But eventually, fatigue set in, and we all went back to our respective berths, trying to catch some sleep before morning.

The next morning, 9th February, we were still on the bus as per the schedule. Around 6:15 AM, the chitter-chatter resumed, and we realized that due to heavy traffic and jammed roads, we were already behind schedule. The delay didn’t dampen our spirits, though. Instead, it added to the adventure.

Our driver, well-versed with the area, decided to take an alternative route to bypass the congestion. This unexpected detour took us through scenic agricultural lands, where we stopped briefly to stretch, breathe in the fresh morning air, and refresh ourselves. The cool breeze, open fields, and the golden glow of the rising sun created an atmosphere of serenity, reminding us of the beauty of the journey itself.

After a short break, we were back on the road, eager to reach Prayagraj and immerse ourselves in the divine experience that awaited us.

It was 10 AM, and we were still on the bus, though we were supposed to have reached Prayagraj by 8:15 AM. The waiting felt endless. A bit of hustle and frustration started among the passengers as everyone wanted to step out for fresh air, but we had no choice but to wait. Conversations continued to pass the time as we inched closer to our destination.

Finally, at 7:30 PM, we reached Prayagraj after facing multiple traffic jams. We were still 10–15 km away from our designated stop when the driver suggested stepping down and taking an electric rickshaw or auto to avoid further delays. Manish took charge of finding a rickshaw, and we quickly decided to move ahead.

Meanwhile, due to some bad reports, we had already canceled our bookings at the tent city and were planning to stay at ISKCON accommodations. However, a South Indian family traveling with us suggested opting for a homestay instead. Their return was scheduled for the same night, meaning they had to find a convenient place to freshen up before heading back. Their plan made sense, and after a quick discussion, we decided to do the same.

We hopped onto the rickshaw and started our ride towards the homestay. However, about 5 km before our destination, the rickshaw was forced to stop due to restricted VIP movement. We had no option but to walk with our backpacks for some distance before finding another auto. When we finally got another ride, we soon realized that even this route was blocked due to security measures, leaving us stranded again.

Exhausted from the long journey, we knew we couldn’t walk any further. That’s when Chanda had a "brilliant"—or should I say "bone-rattling"—plan. With the enthusiasm of a mastermind, she spotted a cylinder van (tempo) and, without a second thought, commanded, "Let’s hop on!" Before we could process the absurdity of the idea, we found ourselves perched atop hard, unforgiving gas cylinders, bouncing like popcorn in a hot pan. Within moments, we discovered bones in places we never knew existed! Every pothole felt like a chiropractic session gone horribly wrong. But hey, efficiency over comfort, right? It was painful, hilarious, and—most importantly—saved us time. Who needs luxury when you have adventure (and a free spinal alignment) on the go?

Finally, after a bumpy yet amusing ride, we reached the homestay. The relief was indescribable! We freshened up and were welcomed with home-cooked food, which felt like heaven after such an exhausting day.

At dawn, we got ready for our visit to Sangam, following the usual pre-pooja routine—taking an early morning bath and setting off with a sense of devotion. Sumit, a young 12th-standard student from our homestay, volunteered to guide us. He bore an uncanny resemblance to Ishaan Khattar and was full of enthusiasm, capturing countless photos of us along the way. With spirits high, we embarked on our journey, unknowingly stepping into yet another chapter of adventure.

We started walking towards Sangam, but soon realized that our enthusiasm far outpaced our stamina. So, like a well-packed suitcase bursting at the seams, we crammed ourselves into a single EV auto, luggage and all. 5:45 AM—we arrived just as the sun was preparing for its grand entrance. But just as we were about to bask in the excitement of a boat ride to the Sangam, a loud announcement shattered our plans: "All boat rides are canceled today due to the Honorable President’s visit." Just like that, our majestic boat journey turned into a mere spectator sport. Undeterred (and slightly amused at our own misfortune), we decided to make the most of it and take a sacred dip at the Ghat of the Sangam instead.

Now, the bath itself was a process! First, the challenge was finding a decent changing room, which, to our horror, turned out to be a distant dream. The ones that existed were in such a miserable state that even ghosts would think twice before haunting them. Women, on the other hand, were unfazed—they innovatively created makeshift dressing rooms using sarees and dupattas, forming a human shield with their relatives. And as for men? Well, they were men. Who needs a changing room when you can just change right there? It was a hilarious sight—an unspoken understanding among all that modesty is subjective when the holy waters call.

Finally, we stepped into the holy waters, shivering as the icy waves wrapped around us like an unexpected prank. The first splash felt like an electric jolt straight to the soul, making us question every life decision that led us to this point. But soon, the chill gave way to an overwhelming sense of peace, as if the river itself whispered, "Welcome, dear wanderers." In that moment, standing at the confluence of the sacred rivers, we felt the weight of history, devotion, and probably a fish or two brushing against our feet. Unforgettable? Absolutely. Freezing? Without a doubt.

After our bath, we walked back to the homestay, had a delicious breakfast, and relaxed. Just as we were settling in, the sky rumbled, and a sudden flurry of security personnel caught our attention. We exchanged puzzled glances, wondering if we were about to witness some top-secret mission. Moments later, Droupadi Murmu Ma’am’s Plane descended with the grace of a Bollywood hero’s grand entry. The excitement surged—should we wave? Should we salute? We went for an enthusiastic wave, secretly hoping for even the tiniest acknowledgment. But alas, no dramatic presidential wave came our way. Still, at least we could now say we had an 'almost' face-to-face moment with the Honorable President of India—or so we’d tell our friends!

The return journey felt nothing short of an undercover escape mission! After what seemed like an eternity, we mounted our bikes, backpacks secured, and took off through the chaotic streets of Prayagraj—like illegal immigrants fleeing to a safer land. I hadn’t been on a bike for six or seven years, and now, here I was, gripping onto my rider like my life depended on it (which, let’s be honest, it did).

A minor glitch added some extra drama—Manish and I sped off first, unknowingly taking a detour that was more "reverse migration" than forward progress. Realizing our mistake, we doubled back, eventually reuniting with the group at the bus stop. At 4:30 PM, we finally boarded our bus, which, thanks to Prayagraj’s relentless traffic, took a good four hours just to leave the city.

By morning, we were back home—back to work, back to routine, but carrying a newfound understanding of life’s unpredictable twists. If there’s one lesson this trip hammered into us, it’s this: Be prepared for the unexpected, because life will rarely go according to plan. But what truly matters is how you make the most of it. As they say in Marathi, Jhala Gela Ganget Nhala—what’s done is done, let it flow like a river. All is well when the end is well, and what truly makes you strong is embracing every turn with a spirit that says, "I’m ready for anything!"

#PrayagrajDiaries #SacredJourney #Mahakumbh2025 #TravelWithSoul