[ad_1]
Spiritual events and destinations are no longer limited to people above 60 years of age. Travel trends and data to 2024 reveal growing interest among Gen Z in spiritual tourism. Be it traveling to holy places like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Ayodhya and Banaras, or engaging in spiritual practices like sadhana and meditation camps, the young participants are showing a strong inclination towards this journey of self-discovery. According to a March report (published in 2024) by real estate consultancy CBRE South Asia Pvt Ltd, faith-based holidays make up 60 per cent of India’s domestic tourism.
With Maha Kumbh (13 January to 26 February) round the corner, booking sites and organizers are expecting significant attendance from Gen Z.
Shoba Rudra, partner and founder, Rare India, says, “Having been to two Kumbh Melas in the last 20 years, I have seen a huge number of young people there, many of whom are into yoga, photography and even Interested in some writers. Since this time there is a good selection of music stars performing and also the technology is at work; There should be a clear increase in numbers. We should not ignore the spectacle put on by the troupes of sadhus from different akharas, which in itself accounts for the number of people who want to capture the scene for their Instagram.
According to Ashish Vohra, Founder and CEO, Onora Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. Ltd., which will operate two luxury campsites at Mahakumbh 2025, “MahaKumbh 2025 is attracting the young generation by offering a powerful blend of spirituality, culture and extraordinary experiences. Today’s youth are searching for deeper connections both with themselves and with the rich traditions of India. Unlike earlier Kumbhs, this edition connects with the young audience through digital engagement, wellness activities like yoga and meditation, and intense cultural experiences. Beyond the sacred Ganga bath and Akhara processions, the event offers unique opportunities like meeting Naga Sadhus, participating in Yagyas and exploring ancient Vedic traditions. For many, this has been a transformative journey, blending spiritual awakening with a deep appreciation of India’s heritage.”
Here’s everything you need to know about the fair:
What is Mahakumbh?
The Maha Kumbh Mela, meaning “festival of the sacred pitcher”, is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and is one of the world’s largest public gatherings and mass acts of faith. This grand congregation includes ascetics, saints, sadhus, sadhvis, Kalpavasis and pilgrims from all walks of life.
The Kumbh Mela rotates between four sacred sites in India, each located on the banks of a sacred river: Haridwar on the Ganges, Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh on the Shipra, Nashik in Maharashtra on the Godavari, and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, where the Ganges, Yamuna, etc. And the confluence of the mythological Saraswati takes place.
“This festival is organized every 144 years, which is equivalent to 12 full Kumbh Melas (which takes place every 12 years). Maha Kumbh is considered to be the rarest and most sacred iteration of the Kumbh Mela,” explains Rahul Kumar, a local guide.
role of stars
Each site’s festivities are based on a specific set of astrological positions of the Sun, Moon and Jupiter. The celebration occurs exactly when these conditions align, as this is considered the most sacred time in Hinduism. The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is held when Jupiter enters Taurus, and the Sun and Moon are in Capricorn.
What happens on the site? Some activities to get involved in
artist
Aarti is performed with great devotion on the banks of Ganga, Yamuna and Triveni Sangam both in the morning and evening. These spiritual ceremonies attract millions of devotees, especially during auspicious festival days, creating an enchanting atmosphere of faith and reverence.
bathing
Snan, or the holy bath, is the most important ritual of the Kumbh Mela. Lakhs of pilgrims participate in this sacred act at Triveni Sangam, believing that by immersing themselves in the sacred water they are purified of sins, freeing their ancestors from the cycle of rebirth and ultimately attaining salvation.
Shahi Snan, or ‘Shahi Snan’, marks the formal beginning of the Kumbh and is a grand procession of saints, disciples and members of various Akharas (religious orders). This ritual is the main attraction of the fair. Devotees take the holy bath only after the Shahi Snan, which they believe has the added sanctity of the divine presence of saints and sacred acts. If you avoid crowds, do not visit the place on Shahi Snan dates.
Kalpavas
Kalpavas is a period of discipline and spiritual practice, which is celebrated from the full moon Ekadashi of the month of Pausha to Maghi Ekadashi. Kalpavasis follow 21 strict rules in mind, speech and action. These include speaking the truth, practicing non-violence, controlling the senses, promoting benevolence towards all living beings and practicing celibacy.
confluence
Triveni Sangam, where the Ganges, Yamuna and the mysterious Saraswati meet, is the center of the Kumbh Mela. It is believed that Saraswati comes forward only during Kumbh, as the sanctity of the site is enhanced by the chanting of sacred hymns. The Purana elaborates on the spiritual significance of snan (holy bath) on specific days including Maghi Purnima, Basant Panchami, Mauni Amavasya and Makar Sankranti. These dates attract lakhs of pilgrims to seek divine blessings at the Sangam.
Akharas
The origin of Akharas is traditionally dated to the 8th century and is attributed to Adi Shankaracharya. These monastic orders are broadly classified into three groups: Shaiva (followers of Lord Shiva), Vaishnava (devotees of Lord Vishnu), and ascetics (ascetics detached from worldly ties). Thirteen recognized Akharas play major roles in the Kumbh Mela, taking turns leading the processions and rituals. Among them, Juna Akhara is one of the largest and most famous.
how to travel?
Prayagraj city is well connected to all the major cities of India through the Indian Railways network. There are 8 railway stations in and around Prayagraj. Prayagraj Airport is located at Bamrauli at a distance of 13 km from the city. It offers regular flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Hyderabad. One can also opt for direct buses from Delhi, Varanasi and Lucknow.
Heritage Walk
For those wishing to fully immerse themselves in the Maha Kumbh experience, heritage walks conducted by experts offer a unique way to explore its rich cultural and spiritual significance. Four specially designed tours are available: Prayagraj Heritage Walk, Sangam Walk, Dharmik Parikrama and Kumbh Walk.
“We organized heritage walks during Ardh Kumbh (2018), but the response was lukewarm. This time, we expect better turnout as influential people and young visitors are likely to participate,” says local guide Rahul Kumar. While the primary focus of many attendees is to bathe and receive blessings from the heads of the Akharas, some Akharas have attracted special attention. “The Kinnar Akhara is known for its vibrant decorations and enthusiastic dances, while the Naga Sadhu Akhara draws crowds because of the ascetic lifestyle of its members,” says Rahul.
most auspicious dates
Paush Purnima: Jan 13
Makar Sakranti: Jan 14
Basant Panchmi: Feb 3
Mauni Amavasya: 29 January
Magician Full Moon: February 12
Maha Shivratri: Feb 26th
food worth trying
Country Rasgulla: This 30 year old shop provides sweets in small earthen pots. This must happen.
Pandit Chat Store: One must try their Kulhar Tomato Chaat and Dahi Vada.
Netram Kachaudi: The 168-year-old is known for serving the best Kachori Sabzi in the city.
[ad_2]
