Allahabad Kumbh Mela 2013
On this page you will get information on kumbh mela at Allahabad and Other useful information about this city like how to reach here, tourist spots and much more.

Ways to Reach Allahabad Kumbh Mela

The last Kumbh Mela festival witnessed the attendance of 70 million devotees from across the world. This time the estimated participation for the festival is around 80 to 90 million. Visiting Allahabad during the mega festival is a tedious task as all the modes of transport including trains, local and state buses would be flocked with the people enthused to witness the spectacle. Even a reserved seat does not guarantee comfortable travel due to the massive influx of pilgrims in the city. The challenges and hindrances encountered to attend the festival make it all the more inviting and adventurous.

Mela Site  Allahabad

Allahabad kumbh mela site

Nearest metropolitan Cities

New Delhi is the nearest city. Distance between New Delhi – Allahabad is 643Km.

Distance between other metropolitan cities and Allahabad:

  1. Kolkata – 799km
  2. Mumbai  – 1444km
  3. Chennai – 1790km
  4. Bengaluru (Bangalore) -1652km
  5. Pune – 1323km
  6. Hyderabad   – 1086

 

Allahabad is well connected with various cities through Rail, Air and Road.

By Air:

Allahabad is connected by air through the Bamrauli Air Force Base, which is 12 Km from Allahabad. The airport serves domestic flights from all major cities with prominent airlines being Air India, Go Air, Indigo, SpiceJet, JetKonnect and Kingfisher. Most of these flights are via New Delhi.

By Road:

The National and State Highways connect Allahabad with all the major cities of the country. The NH2 runs right through the city while NH27 starts from Allahabad and ends at Mangawan in Madhya Pradesh. NH96 joins NH28 in Faizabad and connects the two major Hindu pilgrimage centres of the country – Allahabad and Ayodhya.  Allahabad caters to the public road transport demand through interstate bus services. Local transportation like tourist taxis, cabs, auto rickshaws, and local buses are also available for travel within various parts of Allahabad and also to some neighbouring cities.

By Rail:

Allahabad is well connected by rail as it is the Headquarter of North Central Railway. Majority of the Kumbh Mela pilgrims prefer trains as the mode of transport and hence during the festival the railways reach their optimum usage.

Following is the list of trains from Allahabad to other cities including 1AC, 2AC, 3AC and SL (non AC sleeper) classes for your convenience.

Trains For Allahabad:

It is well connected through Railways because is headquarter of north central railway. Most of devotees who visit kumbh mela uses this mode of transportation. It is life line of India. Indian railways will seen its optimum limit at the time of this grand festival when

Here is list of trains from Allahabad to other cities. Here 1A, 2A , 3A and SL(non AC sleeper ) are classes

Train at a glance at Allahabad

Days Stn. To Dep. Arr. Train No. Train Name Train No. Arr. Dep. Stn. To days
Sat Pune

7:48

7:20

11033

Dbg Pune Exp

11034

15:50

16:20

Darbhanga Thur
Sun Pune

1:02

0:30

11038

Gkp-Pune Exp

11037

15:50

16:20

Gorakhpur Fri
Tue C.Sahu T

0:30

1:02

11046

Dikshabhumi

11045

1:00

1:25

Danbad Sun
Tue,Wed,Fri,Sun LokmanyaTilak

17:10

16:40

11056

Godan Exp.

11055

9:40

10:15

Gorakhpur Mon,Tue,Thur,Sat
Mon,Thur,Sat LokmanyaTilak

17:10

16:40

11060

Godan Exp.

11059

9:40

10:15

Chapra Wed,Fri,Sun
Mon,Tue,Thur,Sat LokmanyaTilak

3:15

2:45

11062

Mfp-Ltt Exp.

11061

10:40

11:05

Muzaffarpur Tue,thur,Sat,Sun
Wed,Fri,Sun LokmanyaTilak

3:15

2:45

11066

Dbg-Ltt Exp.

11065

10:40

11:05

Darbhanga Mon,Wed,Fri
Thur,Sun LokmanyaTilak

21:08

20:35

11068

Saket Exp

11067

3:50

4:15

Rae Bareily Thur,Sun
Mon,Wed LokmanyaTilak

16:15

Starts

11070

Tulsi Exp.

11069

8:50

Ends Allahabad Mon,Wed
All LokmanyaTilak

19:45

19:20

11072

Kamayani

11071

15:30

16:05

Varanasi All
All Mumbai CST

15:10

14:40

11094

Mahanagri

11093

0:15

0:45

Varanasi All
Mon Jhansi

1:15

1:10

11105

pratham S.S.

11106

3:55

4:00

Kolkata Sat
All Gwalior

22:25

22:00

11108

Bundelkhand

11107

6:45

7:10

Varanasi All
All Pune

5:35

5:10

12150

Pune Patna

12149

21:05

21:35

Patna All
Tue,Fri,Sat LokmanyaTilak

23:32

23:00

12166

Ratnagiri Exp

12165

3:50

4:15

Varanasi Tue,Fri,Sat
Mon,Wed,Thur Gwalior

8:12

7:45

12175

Chambal Exp

12176

16:45

17:20

Howrah Tue,Thur,Sat
Sat Mathura

8:12

7:45

12177

Chambal Exp

12178

16:45

17:20

Howrah Mon
Fri New Delhi

3:44

3:42

12249

Yuva Exp

12250

23:08

23:10

Howrah sun
Tue,Thur,Sat New Delhi

22:40

Starts

12275

Duranto Exp

12276

6:20

Ends Allahabad Mon,Thur,Sat
All Bangalore

2:22

1:50

12296

Sanghmitra

12295

2:00

2:50

Patna All
expt.Mon New Delhi

2:45

2:42

12301

Rajdhani

12302

23:42

23:45

Howrah Expt. Fri
Mon,Tue,Fri,Sat New Delhi

22:10

21:05

12303

Poorva Exp

12304

2:05

2:10

Howrah Mon,Thur,Fri,Sun
Mon New Delhi

2:45

2:42

12305

Rajdhani

12306

23:42

23:45

Howrah Fri
All Bikaner

12:15

12:10

12307

Jodhpur Exp

12308

14:00

14:10

Howrah All
All New Delhi

0:28

0:25

12309

Rajdhani

12310

23:56

23:59

Patna All
All Kalka

9:30

9:20

12311

Kalka Mail

12312

17:20

17:30

Howrah All
Fri Udaipur

4:20

4:08

12315

Ananya Exp

12316

22:30

22:40

Sealdah Mon
All Mumbai CST

11:42

11:10

12321

Kolkata Mail

12322

20:25

20:58

Howrah All
Wed,Sat New Delhi

7:40

7:35

12323

Howrah-NDLS

12324

16:35

16:45

Howrah Thur,Sun
Tue New Delhi

4:20

4:08

12349

Bhagalpur Exp

12350

8:50

9:00

Bhagalpur Wed
Wed,Thur,Sun New Delhi

22:05

21:55

12381

Poorva Exp

12382

2:20

2:50

Howrah Tue,Wed,Sat
Thur Ajmer

1:15

1:10

12395

Ibadat/ziyarat

12396

16:35

16:45

Patna Fri
All New Delhi

20:10

20:00

12397

Mahabodhi

12398

22:40

22:48

Gaya All
All New Delhi

0:45

0:40

12401

Magadh Exp

12402

5:10

5:20

Islampur All
All Mathura

23:30

Starts

12403

Mathura Exp

12404

5:00

Ends Allahabad All
All New Delhi

21:30

Starts

12417

Prayagraj Exp

12418

6:45

Ends Allahabad All
expt.Sun New Delhi

2:55

2:52

12423

Rajdhani

12424

20:39

20:42

Dibrugarh Expt.Thur,Sun
All New Delhi

21:00

20:35

12427

Rewa Exp

12428

9:25

9:50

Rewa All
all Anand Vihar

11:55

11:50

12487

Seemanchal

12488

16:50

17:00

Jogbani All
Sat Bikaner

11:35

11:30

12496

Koa Exp

12495

22:30

22:40

Kolkata Thur
Wed,Thur,Sun New Delhi

4:20

4:08

12501

PurvotarSKranti

12502

8:50

9:00

Guahati Mon,Thur,Fri
All Anand Vihar

9:40

9:30

12505

North East Exp

12506

15:40

15:52

Guahati All
Sat Yaswantpur

1:40

1:15

12540

Yaswantpur Exp

12539

2:10

2:35

Lucknow Fri
All New Delhi

22:30

22:05

12559

Shivganga Exp

12560

3:35

4:00

Varanasi All
All New Delhi

3:50

3:25

12561

SwatantrtaSExp

12562

5:35

6:00

Darbhanga All
Wed LokmanyaTilak

7:00

6:30

12564

Ald-Ltt Exp

12563

11:40

12:05

Faizabad Tue
Tue, Sat Anand Vihar

0:55

0:52

12569

Garib Rath Exp

12570

0:17

0:20

Jaynagar Wed,Sun
Tue,Thur Chenai

4:40

4:10

12670

Ganga Kaveri

12669

3:50

4:15

Chapra Mon,Wed
All Secundrabad

20:48

20:20

12792

secundrabad Ex

12791

10:55

11:25

Patna All
all New Delhi

19:45

19:35

12801

Purushotam Ex

12802

7:25

7:35

Puri All
Tue,Thur,Fri,Sun New Delhi

7:40

7:35

12815

Puri-Ndls Exp

12816

15:10

15:20

Puri Mon,Wed,Thur,Sat
Mon,thur,Sat Anand Vihar

4:45

4:35

12817

Jharkhand Exp

12818

4:20

4:30

Hatia Tue,Fri,Sun
Tue,wed,Fri Anand Vihar

5:00

4:35

12873

Jharkhand Exp

12874

4:20

4:50

Hatia Wed,Thur,Sat
Tue, Sat New Delhi

3:44

3:42

12877

Garib Rath Exp

12878

23:08

23:10

Ranchi Wed,Sat
Tue Gandhidham

11:35

11-:30

12938

Garva Exp

12937

22:30

22:40

Howrah Sun
Fri Ahemdabad

5:35

5:30

12942

Ahemdabad Ex

12941

22:30

22:40

Asansol Wed
Thur,Sat Ahemdabad

5:35

5:30

12948

Azimabad Exp

12947

21:35

21:45

Patna Tue,Thur
All Ajmer

12:40

12:35

12987

Ajmer Exp

12988

2:28

2:43

Sealdah All
All Sriganganagar

5:15

5:05

13007

Toofan Exp

13008

22:05

22:15

Howrah All
All Delhi

15:30

15:20

13111

Lal Quila Exp

13112

10:45

10:58

Kolkata All
All LokmanyaTilak

8:25

7:58

13201

Mumbai Janta

13202

23:55

0:35

Patna All
All Anand Vihar

0:00

19:10

14005

Lichchavi Exp

14006

2:30

2:55

Sitamarhi All
All Delhi

19:25

19:15

14055

Bramhaputra

14056

8:25

8:35

Dibrugarh All
All Delhi

6:35

6:30

14083

Mahananda Ex

14084

17:55

18:05

AlipurDwar All
All Dehradun

17:45

Starts

14113

Link Exp

14114

8:10

Ends Allahabad All
Tue,Thur,Sun Haridwar

23:55

Starts

14115

Haridwar Exp

14116

7:45

Ends Allahabad Mon,Wed,Fri
All Meerut

17:45

Starts

14163

Sangam Exp

14164

8:10

Ends Allahabad All
All Lucknow

15:20

15:00

14209

Intercity Exp

14210

11:45

12:00

vindhyachal All
All Lucknow

6:00

Starts

14215

Ganga Gomati

14216

22:20

Ends Allahabad All
All Chandigarh

14:15

Starts

14217

Unchahar Exp

14218

11:20

Ends Allahabad All
Mon Rameshwaram

1:02

0:30

14260

Rameshwaram

14259

1:00

1:25

Varanasi Sat
All Bareilly

22:15

Starts

14307

Barelliy Exp

14308

5:30

Prayag all
Wed,Fri,Sun Bareilly

3:05

2:30

14369

Triveni Exp

14370

20:55

21:25

Singarauli Mon,Wed,Fri
All Saharanpur

17:40

Starts

14511

Nauchandi Exp

14512

9:55

Ends Allahabad All
All Kanpur

8:45

8:20

15004

Chaurichaura

15003

20:45

21:10

Gorakhpur All
All LokmanyaTilak

16:30

16:00

15018

Kashi Exp

15017

8:10

8:35

Gorakhpur All
All Durg

15:40

15:15

15159

Sarnath Exp

15160

12:15

12:55

Chapra All
Fri,Sun Bikaner

11:35

11:30

15632

Barmer Exp

15631

21:35

21:45

Guahati Mon,Wed
Wed Ernakulam

1:02

0:30

16360

Cochin Exp

16359

1:00

1:25

Patna Tue
All Jammutawi

9:05

8:40

18101

Muri Exp

18102

15:30

16:02

Tatanagar All
Fri,Sun Durg

22:55

22:10

18202

Durg Exp

18201

10:20

10:45

Gorakhpur Tue,Sat
Sat Durg

21:08

20:35

18206

Durg Exp

18205

10:20

10:50

Nautanawa Fri
Thur LokmanyaTilak

12:20

11:50

18609

Ranchi-Ltt Exp

18610

15:50

16:20

Ranchi Sun
Fri Ajmer

12:50

12:45

18631

Garib Nawaz Ex

18632

10:15

10:25

Ranchi Sun
Tue,Fri,Sun Indore

8:12

7:45

19306

Shipra Exp

19305

16:55

17:20

Howrah Wed,Fri,Sun
Sun Okha

1:25

0:40

19570

Okha Exp

19569

1:15

2:00

Varanasi Sat
Mon,Wed,Sat Khajuraho

22:25

22:00

21108

Khajurao Exp

21107

6:45

7:10

Varanasi Mon,Wed,Sat
Wed Pune

7:48

7:20

22132

Gyan Ganga Exp

22131

15:30

16:20

Maduadih Tue
wed, Fri, Sun Anand Vihar

0:55

0:52

22405

Garib Rath Exp

22406

0:17

0:20

Bhagalpur Tue,Thur,Sat
Mon Anand Vihar

1:25

1:20

22409

Sasaram Exp

22410

3:55

4:00

Sasaram Sun
Sun New Delhi

2:55

2:52

22423

Rajdhani

22424

20:39

20:42

Guwahati Thur
Mon,Tue,Thur,Sat Bareilly

3:05

2:30

24369

Triveni Exp

24370

20:55

21:55

ShaktiNagar Tue,thur,Sat,Sun
All Bareilly

3:05

2:30

84369

Triveni Exp

84370

20:55

21:55

Barwadih Jn All

WEBSITE www.indianrail.gov.in

 

 

Commercialization of Kumbh Mela

kumbh mela tv rights

The Kumbh Mela is witnessing massive commercialization with the decision of the Uttar Pradesh government to sell the festival’s TV rights to big corporates. The idea is believed to have sought inspiration from the IPL (Indian Premier League) matches which generate huge revenue for their organizers. This year in May, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Jawed Usmani sent a letter instructing the local administration to ‘generate revenue by auctioning advertising and telecast rights’ of the mega festival which would see participation of more than 70 million people.

The auctioning of the TV rights to a specific company will lead to the infringement of a pilgrim’s freedom and discretion to capture the divine moments in his or her camera. The attendee would have to pay a heavy charge to the company owning the media rights. This would certainly lead to disappointment and unrest among the participants who would want to capture the memories of the sacred festival. Additionally, the small local news channels would be debarred from telecasting the events of the Mela to its viewers. The decision is bound to impact the lives of the countless participants of the Kumbh Mela at an individual and spiritual level.

Kumbh Mela TV Rights

What is harm in monetizing the Kumbh festival?

The strongest argument against the commercialisation of Kumbh Mela is the fear that it would tarnish the sanctity of the festival.  Since Vedic times, people have regarded the festival activities as sacrosanct with God as its pivot.  The festival observes the participation of Saints who come from Himalayan caves and other remote parts of the country to bless all the devotees. Monetization of the festival would be seen as an act of disrespect to Vedic tradition and spirituality.

The contemporary government, in their race to hoard money by different kinds of taxation, have lost the faith of the citizens and commercialisation of the festival would bolster their antagonism in the political authorities.   Indian history should serve as an example for the current government to stop exploiting Indian culture and the beliefs of Indian to satisfy their vested interests. Various episodes in Indian history such that of King Harshavardana, who lavishly distributed all of his accumulated wealth to the needy and downtrodden such that he returned to his palace in clothes borrowed from his sister, should be looked upon to govern a country in the interest of the people. The story exemplifies the code of conduct of a good ruler which could be aped to safeguard the economic and religious interests of the citizens. Thus religious congregations and pilgrimages like Kumbh Mela should be kept out of the revenue generating compass of the government to preserve the sanctity of the event.

Protest by Saints

The saints from all over the country have come together to oppose the move of Uttar Pradesh  government to carry out  the new media rights policy enabling auction of exclusive broadcast rights. These saints are worthy of appreciation as they revolted the government’s decision which could have barred enthused shutterbugs from capturing a life time divine experience.

Indian Sadhus

Significance of Mauni Amavasya Snan (Sacred Bath)

Importance of Mauni Amavasya snan (bathing ) at kumbh mela

According to ancient religious scriptures, Mauni Amavasya is the day on which Manu rishi appears in this world millions of years ago. It is believed to be the day when the universe was created. On this day, the Sun and the Moon enters into the Capricorn sign. A vow of complete silence is observed on this day known as Maun Vrat. This vow is assumed to control our senses and engage them into the service of Supreme Lord Narayana. Practising austerities is believed to purify an individual’s existence and observing the vow of silence is apparently the simplest way to do so. The day holds extreme religious importance and taking bath on this day in the holy waters is deemed significant and auspicious.

Procedure of taking bath on Mauni amavasya in kumbh mela

On the pious day of Mauni Amavasya, a believer is expected to meditate and pray to Lord Vishnu. He is likely to pledge against all his mundane and material urges like lust, greed, anger and envy. He may donate articles like food, money and clothes to the needy saints then he can observe the vow of silence. All these procedures are ensued by the ceremonial bath in the waters of the confluence of holy rivers at Allahabad.

Date of Mauni Amavasya for kumbh mela 2013 is 10-Feb-2103

Mauni Amavasya

For Kumbh Mela 2015 bathing dates

The day observes the largest gathering of people in a single day as most of the pilgrims plan this day to visit Maha Kumbh because it is a believed that by bathing on this day a person can acquire good karma which thereby helps pursuing a fruitful and religious life.

It is thus highly recommended to the readers of this site to plan and visit the Maha Kumbh festival such that they can witness the grandeur of the highly revered day of Mauni Amavasya.

For further help and latest updates on the mega festival, visit  Kumbh mela FaceBook page

 

 

Accommodation Rate Comparison at Kumbh Mela in Allahabad

[box] Special Accommodation for Our Visitors. Get your Kumbh Mela accommodation  with spiritual organizations or with tour providers at cheaper rates. For details contact us.[/box]

 

Accommodation Rate Comparison at Kumbh Mela in Allahabad

This post compares the rates of different accommodation facilities for the Kumbh Mela 2013 available on the internet. In reality, only the government can provide accommodation on mela site during the Kumbh Mela and there is no outsourcing of the facilities. So the private agencies reserve accommodation through government agencies and charge their customers with higher rates for the same facilities.

Following is the list of websites found on internet that claim to provide residence during the Maha Kumbh Festival.

Note: These websites may not be associated with the UP Government which provides cottages and dormitories for staying during the festival. 

Official Website is UP Tourism

Rates from UP Tourism

Rahi llawart Tourist Bungalow

35 M.G. Marg, Allahabad

ph.: 0532-2407440, 2408374 Fax : 0532-2408461

E-mail : rahiilawart@up-tourism.com

Kumbh Fair tariff : (Effective from 01 January, 2013 to 10 March, 2013)

Types of Room Single Occupancy (INR) Double Occupancy (INR) Description
Ganga- Yamuna & Saraswati   7000.00 Cold Drink, Mineral Water, Break-fast-Complimentary for two persons
A.C. Deluxe 3300.00 3500.00 Cold Drink, Mineral Water, Bed Tea, Break- fast- Complimentary
A.C. Semi-Deluxe 2800.00 3000.00 Bed Tea-Complimentary
A.C. Economic 2300.00 2500.00  
4 Bed   2500.00  
Dormitory 500.00 Per Bed  

Image of tents

kumbh mela accommodation

Rahi Triveni Darshan,Yamuna Bank Road, Kydganj, AllahabadPh.:0532-2558646E-mail : rahitrivenialahabad@up-tourism.com Kumbh Fair tariff : (Effective from 01 January, 2013 to 10 March, 2013)
Types of Room Single Occupancy Double Occupancy
A.C.Room Rs. 2000/- Rs. 2200/-
Non A.C. Room Rs. 1200/- Rs. 1400/-
Dormitory Rs. 250/- Per Bed  

Tariff of Tent colony at Kumbh Fair : (Effective from 01 January, 2013 to 10 March, 2013)

Swiss Cottage (Double Occupancy, A.P.Plan) Rs. 6000.00 per day
Dormitory Cottage Rs. 500.00 per bed- per day.

RULES FOR BOOKING / CANCELLATION AND REFUND

  • For reservation 100% advance will be required.
  • All applicable Taxes will be charged extra.
  • For Swiss Cottage no refund..

For Rooms:-

15 Days or more : 90% refundable
10 to 14 Days : 75% refundable
3 to 9 Days : 50% refundable
Less than 3 Days : No refundable

List of other websites claiming to provide accommodation at Kumbh Mela:

  1.  www.kumbhamela.net: This is one of the oldest  websites on Kumbh Mela. It may be recognized by Department of Tourism. The site does not mention any rates for cottages or tents one can register through the “Contact our Tour Planner” link and can get the actual details required.
  2.  www.kumbhmela.net:  This site is identical in name with the first one and provides information on the various types of accommodations available during the Kumbh Mela including the Swiss tents, star rated hotels and dorms. There is not much information on the accommodation prices.
  3. www.kumbhmela.co.in: This is a well-organized website that has a detailed list of type of accommodations and their respective prices. The prices mentioned will be enlisted at the end of the post.
  4. www.mahakumbhyatra.com: This is a newly launched website as compared to the others and provides a platform for easy navigation and access to rates and type of accommodation during the festival.
  5. www.kumbhmelapackages.com: This website is found in the Google Sponsored Ads links. It provides different types of  Kumbh Mela packages ranging from 10,000Rs (200$) to 20,000Rs (400$). 

 

For More Information Visit  Kumbh Mela 2013 Accommodation in Allahabad

 

 

How Many People can Travel to the Kumbh Mela in One Day.

How Many People can Travel to the Kumbh Mela in One Day.

From New Delhi to Allahabad by Rail

As getting a train ticket in India is a herculean task, this post aims to estimate the situation of available train seats at the peak time during the Kumbh Mela in January and February 2013.  The world famous festival will observe people coming from every part of the world to witness the grandeur of the pilgrimage. Following is list of trains from New Delhi to Allahabad and the speculated waiting scenario for the ordinary public to travel by rail during the Maha Kumbh if the tickets are not booked well in advance (120 days). The list is taken from the Indian Railways website on 30-Aug-2013.

 

Train No. Train Name Origin Dep.Time Destination Arr.Time Days Of Run
M T W T F S S
18110 ++JAT MURI ROU EX *SUBZI MANDI 04:11 ALLAHABAD JN 15:30 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
12312 +KALKA MAIL *ADRSH NGR DELHI 05:48 ALLAHABAD JN 17:20 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
+NANDAN KANAN EX NEW DELHI 06:30 ALLAHABAD JN 15:10 Y N Y Y N Y N
15484 +MAHANANDA EXP DELHI 06:40 ALLAHABAD JN 17:55 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
14084 +MAHANANDA EXP #DELHI 06:40 ALLAHABAD JN 17:55 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
12506 +NORTH EAST EXP ANAND VIHAR TRM 06:50 ALLAHABAD JN 15:40 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
12324 +NDLS HWH EXPRES NEW DELHI 07:00 ALLAHABAD JN 16:35 N N N Y N N Y
13008 +U A TOOFAN EXP *NEW DELHI 07:35 ALLAHABAD JN 22:05 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
12488 +SEEMANCHAL EXP ANAND VIHAR TRM 07:40 ALLAHABAD JN 16:50 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
12398 +MAHABODHI EXP NEW DELHI 14:10 ALLAHABAD JN 22:40 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
14006 +LICHCHAVI EXP ANAND VIHAR TRM 15:50 ALLAHABAD JN 02:30 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
12382 +POORVA EXPRESS NEW DELHI 16:20 ALLAHABAD JN 02:20 Y Y N N Y N N
12304 +POORVA EXPRESS NEW DELHI 16:20 ALLAHABAD JN 02:05 N N Y Y N Y Y
02394 +ANVT PNBE SPL #ANAND VIHAR TRM 18:35 ALLAHABAD JN 03:45 N Y N N Y N Y
12560 +SHIV GANGA EXP NEW DELHI 18:55 ALLAHABAD JN 03:35 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
12874 +JHARKHAND EXP ANAND VIHAR TRM 19:50 ALLAHABAD JN 04:20 N Y Y N Y N N
12818 +JHARKHAND EXPRE ANAND VIHAR TRM 19:50 ALLAHABAD JN 04:20 Y N N Y N Y N
12402 +MAGADH EXPRESS NEW DELHI 20:10 ALLAHABAD JN 05:10 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
12562 +SWATANTRTA S EX NEW DELHI 20:40 ALLAHABAD JN 05:35 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
13112 +LAL QUILA EXP DELHI 20:50 ALLAHABAD JN 10:45 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
14218 +UNCHAHAR EXP *SUBZI MANDI 20:57 ALLAHABAD JN 11:20 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
12418 +PRAYAG RAJ EXP NEW DELHI 21:25 ALLAHABAD JN 06:45 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
12802 +PURSHOTTAM EXP NEW DELHI 22:20 ALLAHABAD JN 07:25 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
12276 +ALD DURONTO EXP NEW DELHI 22:40 ALLAHABAD JN 06:10 N N Y N Y N Y
14056 +BRAHMPUTRA MAIL DELHI 23:40 ALLAHABAD JN 08:25 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
12502 +PORVOTR S KRNTI NEW DELHI 23:45 ALLAHABAD JN 08:50 N N Y Y N N Y
12350 +NDLS BGP EXPRES NEW DELHI 23:45 ALLAHABAD JN 08:50 N Y N N N N N
12428 +NDLS REWA EXP NEW DELHI 23:55 ALLAHABAD JN 09:25 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

kumbh mela special train

The trains have around 600 (general quota) berths in sleeper class and 150 seats in third AC.  The total number of trains from north India that pass through New Delhi is 28.  Therefore total available seats in sleeper class are 16800 (approx.) and 4200(approx.) in Third AC.  In one day total passengers under the general quota will be (16800+4200) = 21000. Actual seats including all types of quotas are 12 X 72 X 28=24192 as most trains have 12 sleeper bogies. For Third AC, taking maximum 5 bogies per train, the berth count would be 5 X 72 X 28= 10000

During the last Kumbh Mela, the total visiting devotee count reached 70 million (70 X 10,00000) within a span of 30 days.  We can therefore compute the total capacity of each train assuming that there are four general bogies to be 4*100*28 (500 is capacity of one bogie)= 11500 approx. (taking lager values)

Hence, people who can travel from Delhi to Allahabad in a day are: 24500+ 11500+10000= 46000. This is current maximum capacity. But it can be estimated that during the peak Kumbh Mela season, this capacity will increase threefold per train raising the traveler count to 1,35,000. The situation is one of a kind and can only happen in a country like India.

What would you do if you were planning to attend the Kumbh Mela? Comment at the Kumbh Mela 2013 page.

Official website rates for Kumbh Mela 2013 accommodation

Official Website Accommodation rates for kumbh mela 2013 from U.P. Government .

Many private websites are providing Swiss Cottage accommodation for the Kumbh festival but according to the officials there are no such websites providing this type of accommodation.

According to Additional Mela Officer Ashutosh Dwivedi, the matter came to light when certain people seeking to book Swiss-style cottages through unauthorized private websites approached the festival organizers.

There are no websites issued by the Government for allocating cottages to private agencies, Mr. Dwivedi said, adding that necessary information about the Mela is available on the official website of the Kumbh Mela.”

This is from The Hindu newspaper  http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/article3729838.ece  read more on this link.

this is from Time of India  http://m.timesofindia.com/city/lucknow/Fake-websites-selling-Kumbh-cottages/articleshow/16804727.cms

[box] Special Accommodation for Our Visitors. Get your Kumbh Mela accommodation with spiritual organizations or with tour providers at cheaper rates. For details contact us.[/box]

 

The official website for booking cottages is Uttar Pradesh Tourism.

It provides cheaper accommodation for kumbh mela 2013. The readers are suggested to not book accommodation for this festival from private websites which might be fraudulent.

kumbh mela accommodation

This above photo is from UP tourism website. The accommodation rates are cheaper than that provides by the other private websites. Most of the websites featuring in Google Search Results are personal websites launched by travel agents and their authenticity is highly dubious. The next post will feature complete rates and comparison with other private rates. People who are on a budget trip are recommended to stay in dormitories as they are a lot cheaper than the other housing options during the festival and would cost around $10 a day.

Recommended Kumbh Mela 2013 Accommodation in Allahabad

Importance of Mauni Amavasya snan (bathing ) at kumbh mela

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Prayag : An Ancient Holy City(Allahabad)

Prayag : An Ancient Holy City(Allahabad)

Allahabad is also known as Prayag Raj. The name bears roots to an ancient legend which says that after the creation of the world, Lord Brahma offered the first sacrifice at Allahabad and hence the place came to be known as Prayag which is the place of sacrifice.  It is famous as it is the confluence (sangam) of the three most holy rivers in Indi: the Ganges, the Yamuna and the subterranean Saraswati. All three rivers hold a pious and divine status in India and it is believed that bathing in the water of the confluence will bring auspiciousness and fortune to the individual’s life.

City Of Kumbh Mela

Allahabad is renowned across the world as it hosts the magnificent Hindu festival called the Kumbh Mela. According to legend, it is believed that drops of nectar fell near the confluence point of the three holy rivers thereby giving them mystical powers. Millions of people gather at the river banks (ghats) to take a dip in the waters and purge themselves of all sins and thus attain Moksha (Salvation). The festival observes participation of people of all ages, religions, castes and creed in mutual harmony and equality. The festival is attended by Sadhus and saints who follow the path of religion. Some of the highlight saints of the festival are Naga Sadhus, who never wear any clothes and are always smeared in ash; Urdhwavahurs, saints who renounce physical pleasures; Parivajakas, who have taken a vow of silence and Shirshasins, who stand for all 24 hours and meditate.

The attendees of the Kumbh festival have the same common goal of finding the ultimate truth and thereby ending the mortal life of suffering and attaining salvation. Underlying the popular belief is the basic principle of Immortality accounted in the Vedic texts which claim that the supreme reality is not the material body but the eternal soul (Bhagvad Gita) which neither dies nor takes birth.

Allahabad is considered as King among holy places in India.

Allahabad Kumbh mela 2013 Bathing Dates

if you here for Nashik Kumbh Mela Dates then Visit Kumbh Mela Dates page

kumbh mela allahabad 2013

The highlight feature of the Kumbh Mela is the bathing ceremony (snan). Millions of people travel across the globe to take a dip inthe Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati during the festival as it is believed by doing so one gets free from the baggage of sins committed in his lifetime and also attains salvation which is freedom from the cycle of birth and death. The Vedic Scriptures account for several other reasons to take bath in Holy Rivers like Ganges, Yamuna, Godawari and Narmada. The bathing ceremony is the most auspicious activity in this festival apart from the enlightenment one receives through spiritual discussions with the saints.

In Vedic culture, every river is personified as a deity and the water stream is interpreted as the material manifestation of that personality. Rivers are deified as mothers as they are a source for human existence. River Ganga is one of the most special rivers as it is believed to come directly from the ocean of milk by washing the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu. Bathing in the holy waters of Ganga is believed to be most auspicious at the time of Kumbh Mela.

Allahabad. Bathing at the time of Maha Kumbh also known as Shahi snan or Royal Bathing Days.

After 12  long years the grand event is again at the doorstep for people to grab the opportunity to witness the magnificent spectacle at Allahabad, the place of confluence of the three holy rivers,  in January, 2013.  The details about the most auspicious days during the festival on which devotees will take the holy dip in the waters of Ganges, Yamuna and the lost Saraswati are enlisted below:

[box] Shahi Snan starts at 6:00 Am [/box]

Maha Kumbh Mela 2013 Bathing (Shahi Snan) Dates

Bathing Dates Day Occasion Remark
14th January 2013 Sunday Makar Sankarnti First Shahi Snan
27th January 2013 Sunday Paush Purnima
6th February 2013 Wednesday Ekadashi Snan
10th February 2013 Sunday Mauni Amavasya Snan Main Bathing Day (Dark moon)
15th February 2013 Friday Basant Panchami Snan  Fifth day of the new moon (Last Shahi Snan )
17th February 2013 Sunday Rath Saptami Snan
18th February 2013 Monday Bhisma Ashtami Snan  Eigth day of the new moon
25th February 2013 Monday Maghi Purnima Snan
10th March 2013 Sunday Shivaratri Snan  Shivaratri is not a shahi snan

These are the dates when millions will come to take a holy dip at confluence of holy rivers at Allahabad. For further help please visit  Kumbh Mela 2013 Facebook page and post any queries about the festival.

 

 Kumbh Mela 2013 Accommodation in Allahabad