Asian Journeys

The World’s Largest Religious Gathering

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(New Delhi) Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest peaceful congregati­on of pilgrims, recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, dates back thousands of years. The grandeur of the cultural extravagan­za, celebrated at four cities in India over a period of 12 years, draws throngs of devotees seeking spirituali­ty and nirvana, bathing at sacred rivers to purify their sins.

The Allahabad Kumbh Mela, scheduled for January 2019, one of the most sacred pilgrimage places for Hindus, is held at the confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the mystical Sarasvati. Hindu holy men sporting dreadlocks and smoking chillums (pipes) or practising complex asanas are common sights. The environ is cosseted with chiming bells, incense and flower fragrance interspers­ing with the smoke from the havan kunds (fire places), vedic hymns, mantras, drumbeats, the blare of conchs and the ring of holy bells.

On the invitation of Shri Shri 108 Mahant Late Shri Bala Krishna Das ji Maharaj and his son Shri Bipin Bihari Pandey ji Maharaj at Shri Ramanandiy­a Vaishnav Ashram Pratisthan Puri, Samudra Koop Tirth, Jhusi, Allahabad, The Ultimate Travelling Camp (TUTC) will be at the holy land to launch the ‘Sangam Nivas’ Camp and introduce travellers to an unparallel­ed, multisenso­ry journey into the very heart of the Kumbh Mela. TUTC’S latest offering, Sangam Nivas, aims to provide the quintessen­tial essence of the Kumbh Mela to seekers of spirituali­ty and wellbeing, while bringing forth the holistic aspects of Indian philosophy and mythology.

Positioned at the highest point of the Kumbh Mela, Sangam Nivas is on a hillock overlookin­g the Sangam and offers the perfect vantage point for guests to soak in the atmosphere and understand the essence of the Kumbh. The camp is a one-hour drive from Allahabad airport and three hours from Varanasi.

Guests can choose from specially appointed spacious 17 Luxury tents and 27 Super Luxury Deluxe tents equipped with modern amenities and ornate bespoke furnishing­s.

The Sangam Nivas Camp offers exceptiona­l services such as unlimited Wifi at the Reception Tent, 24/7 security and paramedic on site, 24/7 electricit­y, the library at Reception Tent, Wellness Centre, and Temple for the evening ‘Aartis’. Each tent has an ensuite bathroom with 24 hours access to running hot and cold water. Choose from a one-night to a five-night itinerary to enjoy the best of the religious fervour.

The camp has exclusive activities specially curated to enhance the Kumbh Mela experience. Witness the sea of fervent devotees performing their rituals and offering prayers or visit the various Akharas to get a comprehens­ive view on the ideology and philosophy of Hindu sects. Partake in morning Yoga and

OBSERVE ONE OF THE MOST SACRED AND LARGEST PILGRIMAGE­S WHICH TAKES PLACE EVERY THREE YEARS IN INDIA.

Meditation classes held for guests staying at Sangam Nivas or enjoy the Kumbh Mela on an early morning boat cruise and watch devotees by the river banks perform ablution and offering prayers to their divine deities with hymns and mantras being chanted in unison.

Interact with Sadhus and Seers to understand the true essence of tapasya and self-sacrifice to attain self-realizatio­n or capture the mystical milieu of humankind and faith on camera as part our photograph­y excursions.

TUTC is known for celebratin­g the distinctiv­e taste of Indian cuisine at its camps. Guests will be treated to a simple yet unique culinary experience where vegetarian including ‘satvik’ food, freshly baked breads, pies and cookies will be prepared by our Chefs.

Sangam Nivas will be operationa­l from January 10 to March 6, 2019.

2019 Important Bathing Dates

Makar Sankranti, January 14 – 15

Paush Purnima, January 21

Mauni Amavasya, February 4

Basant Panchami, February 10

Maghi Purnima, February 19

Maha Shivratri, March 4

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