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KUMBH MELA
in Allahabad

Ardh Kumbh in Allahabad - January 3-16

The Kumbh is between Jan 3 & Feb 26, 2007 We have chosen to be there during Makar Sakranti (full moon) - a very auspicious date and important Hindu Festival.

Back to Kumbh Mela Main Page

To watch the Kumbh Mela processions is to witness the march of the ages. As the holy saints pass by on elephants, horses, palanquins, chariots, cars, and camels continually transmitting waves of powerful shakti (energy) to all the people who witness this awe-inspiring and most auspicious event. The sounds baffle all description; the shout and cries of ash-smeared sadhus mingle with the neighing of horses, trumpeting of elephants, grunting of camels, bellowing of bulls. Gongs and drums beat, trumpets blare, conch shells blow and bells ring. One is overwhelmed by the palpable spiritual vibrations that pervade the entire atmosphere.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Delhi Transfer to Taj Ambassador hotel.

Day 2 Delhi
Relaxed morning. Afternoon: Tour of Old Delhi - ricksaw ride through Old Delhi market to Jama Maszid, and New Delhi; Red Fort, Qutab Minar and India Gate, House of Parliment, President's House & Gandhi memorial.

Day 3 Jaipur
Drive to Jaipur. Afternoon city tour including City Palace, Palace of Winds, Jantar Mantar Observatory. Overnight at Alsisar Haveli.

Day 4 Jaipur Visit Galta Temple at sunrise. The Hanuman Temple here surges to life at sunrise when crowds of languar monkeys come to meet the priests who arrive in a ricksaw with sacks of bananas. Return to hotel for breakfast. Afterwards visit Amer Fort, riding on elephants to the gate. Afternoon independent in the market.

Day 5 Drive to Agra en-route visit Fatephur Sikri, the deserted city. Overnight at Hotel Taj View or Trident.

Day 6 Agra
Sunrise visit Taj Mahal, return to hotel for breakfast. Afterwards visit Agra Fort, and visit artisian showrooms of inlay marble, if interested. Afternoon visit Sikandra, the site of Akbar's mausoleum, six miles north of Agra.

Day 7 Agra-Khajuraho
Morning visit eastern complex of temples and the old village of Khajuraho. Afternoon fly to Varanassi flight 9W724 dep.1330, arr 1410. Transfer to Hotel Taj Ganges. Upon arrival, independent time to stroll the wonderously stimulating area around the Ganges. Evening witness Aarti ceremony on the banks of River Ganges.

Day 8 Varanasi
Dawn boat ride on the River Ganges to witness the religious ceremonies of the Hindus. Afterwards, walking tour of temples and ghats. Return to hotel for breakfast. Rest of morning independent to relax or wander around the old village independently. Afternoon visit Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon in 500 BC. The very spot is marked by the Dhamekh Stupa. Located in the midst of the archeological park, you will also visit the ruins of the small monastery where the Buddha lived during his visits and walk the path he took while meditating. After visiting the excellent museum that houses sculptures excavated from the park, we visit the fairly new Buddhist temple. The walls of the temples are decorated by the paintings of a Japanese artist tracing the important events in the life of The Buddha. At approx 6pm, local Buddhists chant the words to Buddha's last sermon.

Day 9 Drive to Allahabad (125 km)
The month long Kumbh Mela of Allahabad is one of the largest spiritual celebrations of the world and is attended by millions of pilgrims from all over India as well as the devout from the world over. On peak days it attracts about 35 million people. The period of Kumbh Mela is Magh (Jan-Feb) month of Hindu calendar. The Kumbh Mela is held every three years in rotation at Allahabad, Hardwar, Ujjain and Nasik. Maha Kumbh is held every twelve years where as Ardha Kumbh is held in the sixth year after Maha Kumbh, in the months of January-February, on the banks of the holy confluence (Sangam) of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. Kumbh Mela's history originates from the beginning of creation. All devtas were under the influence of a curse that made them weak and cowardly. Brahma, (the creator) advised them to churn the ocean for amrit (nectar), intake of which will make them immortal. Devtas sought the help of demons for the purpose. By their joint churning, amrit was found. Devtas fled with the pitcher of amrit and demons chased them. A battle ensured. During this time, the pitcher of amrit was kept at four places and a few drops of amrit fell at these places. The places were Prayag (Allahabad), Hardwar, Nasik and Ujjain. Since then, when the planets come in the same position, Kumbh Mela is held at Prayag. The main Kumbh parva is the day of Mauni Amavasya (old moon/sunrise bathing). Other important bathing days are Makar Sankranti, Paush Poornima, Basant Panchami, Maghi Poornima and Maha Shivratri. If any other date of religious significance happens to fall during the Kumbh Mela period, it also auspicious for taking a holy dip.

Our camp will be near the river and other camps of Indian families and religious groups. This gives us an intimate involvement with the cermonies and activities of the devotees. Group members wil be able to roam independently visiting various camps and taking in the scene. It is quite stimulating visually and emotionally. The camp will have stand-up tents with beds, attached private bathrooms. More details TBA.

Day 10 Allahabad

Day 11 Allahabad
Makar Sakranti. Main bathing date. The Sanskrit term Shankramana means "to begin to move." The day on which the sun begins to move northwards is called Makara Sankranti. This feast is celebrated on January 14th, and is the only feast of the Indian calendar which is not celebrated on a fixed day of the lunar month. Makara literally means 'Capricorn' and Sankranti is the day when the sun passes from one sign of the zodiac to the next. The Sankranti of any month is considered auspicious as it signifies afresh start. However Makara Sankranti is celebrated in the month of Magha when the sun passes through the winter solstice, from the Tropic of Cancer to the Tropic of Capricorn, giving the Makara Sankranti special significance. For the sun, symbolising knowledge, wisdom and spiritual light, which receded from you when you reveled in the darkness of ignorance and delusion, now joyously turns on its northward course and rushes towards you, to shed its light and warmth in greater abundance upon you and to infuse into you more life and energy.

The day prior to the Makara Sankranti, is called the Bhogi festival. On this day, old, worn-out and dirty things are discarded and burnt. Houses are cleaned and white-washed. Among the Tamilians in South India, this festival is called the Pongal. During Pongal, landlords distribute food, clothes and money among the laborers. Be charitable. Be generous. Treat your workers as friends. This is the keynote of the Pongal festival. The great Bhishma, the grandfather of the Pandavas who was fatally wounded during the Mahabharata war, waited on his death-bed of nails for the onset of this season before finally departing from the earth plane. Hindus pay homage to him on this day and strive to become men of firm resolve themselves! A big fair is held at the confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna and the Saraswati rivers at Triveni in Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh) on this occasion. Being the month of Magha, this fair is also called Magha Mela. Apart from Triveni, ritual bathing also takes place at many places such as Haridwar and Garh Mukteshwar in Uttar Pradesh, and Patna in Bihar. Since it is also the season to fly kites, the evening sky is awash with colorful kites of all shapes and sizes. Several kite competitions are held in various localities.

Day12 Allahabad

Day13 Allahabad-Varanasi-Delhi (122 Km)
After breakfast drive to Varanasi for flight 9W724 dep. 1440 arr. 1600 to Delhi. On arrival transfer to airport hotel Ashok Country Resort for wash and change. Late eveing transfer to International airport to connect flight to home.

PRICE $2650 (based on minimum 4 travelers); $2395 (based on minimum 6 travelers);

Single room supplement $895

Plus air fares: Khajuraho - Varanasi $111, Varanasi - Delhi $158 + $10 serv fee
(price subject to change)

Includes:

• Accommodation: Two nights Delhi at Intercontinental The Grand (B) Two nights Jaipur at Alsisar Haveli (B) Two nights Agra at Taj View (B) One night Khajuraho at Taj Chendela or Clarks (B) Two nights Varanasi at Taj Ganges (B) Four nights Allahabad at Camp (B,L,D) Some rooms for wash and change in Delhi at Ashok Country Resort on last day.
• Daily breakfast and all meals at Allahabad
• Arrival, departure transfers, sightseeings and land transport ac Tempo Treveller as per itinerary.
• Escort throughout the journey plus professional local guides during sightseeing in Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Khajuraho & Varanasi
• All monument entrance fees; Elephant ride to Amber Fort; Boat ride on river Ganges at Varanasi
• Train tickets in A/C Chair Car Agra - Jhansi
• India Govt Service Tax 4.08%
  
  
  

Does Not Include

• International airfare
• Departure Tax
• Tips
• Personal expenses
• Trip Cancellation/Travel Insurance

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