[Lightstalkers] Kumbh Mela 2013

Kumbh Mela 2013

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 11:22:50 +0000

Greetings! I am sure as time goes on there will be much discussion here about the Kumbh Mela. My intention is to make this the OFFICIAL thread for all Kumbh Mela related information. So who here is going? And what are your accommodation plans? As you may know hotels are tripling their rates. My plan is to be there for the entire month so I'd love to get a room (with electricity...which is not available in the tents.) My thought is that perhaps a group of us could get together and rent a flat or suite. Anyone interested? Please let me know if you have any good leads as far as places to stay. Thanks!

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 19:09:40 +0000

Sounds like a wonderful idea Cathy!!

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Sun, 24 Jun 2012 08:31:57 +0000

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Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Sun, 24 Jun 2012 16:13:06 +0000

Poras I'm not coming up with anything that could be shared but I will keep you in mind. A few others have also expressed interest...so let's see... In the meantime there is a thread on India Mike dedicated to travel advice for the Kumbh Mela. It may be of some help to fellow Lightstalkers so here's the link: http://www.indiamike.com/india/uttar-pradesh-f60/kumbh-mela-2013-allahabad-t154899/

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 01:20:03 +0000

I will also be traveling for this event too...i ve good contact in Allahabad...every one is free to contact me apart from my services.....

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 08:58:16 +0000

Cathy I am also hoping to go to KM2013. No plans for accomm as yet but am aware that prices are at a premium. I would be interested in the idea of sharing a place with other LS'ers. If I come across anything I'll post it.

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 09:49:37 +0000

A little off topic reply. Just created a list of all the big festivals in Pakistan listed at the link below. http://regale.com.pk/discussion/topic/list-of-all-the-sufi-festivals-in-pakistan/ Thought to share as you guy's are going to India might as well cover Pakistan on the same round.

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 09:57:09 +0000

Good Effort Faseeh..Great LIst

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Sun, 05 Aug 2012 17:42:01 +0000

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/juna-akhara-bans-entry-of-foreigners/1/211516.html http://hillpost.in/2012/08/04/juna-akhada-bans-entry-of-foreigners/47520/people/religion/bhatt Here's big news for foreign photographers planning to attend the Kumbh Mela. Juna Akhara has banned all foreigners from entering!!! Thoughts?

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Sun, 05 Aug 2012 18:17:07 +0000

Dinesh Dubey and desertarts thanks for commenting here. I imagine you will have foreign clients during the Kumbh Mela...what do you think about this new rule that foreigners can't enter Juna Akhara?

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 06:06:48 +0000

Thanks mam for posting the news.....we r also concerned after seeing the news.....story of Kumbha Mela starts from juna-akharas in uttarkhand & ends in Allahabad Kumbha Mela....

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 06:24:44 +0000

Hi Cathy, I was going through the information you have shared. Cathy i would say yes there are some camps in which electricity supply is not there. But there are many who are giving the electricity backups. We are doing two groups one is of the famous photographer Steve McCurry (Workshop) and then there is another group (people from different country). One of the group is staying in camps suggested by us. Which we are using since many years, and till date we never got any complain about them regarding water, electricity of other services. You can also visit following websites to get little information about us: - www.kumbh-mela.co.in or our official website www.registhan.com; www.registhantours.org Also here please find the cost of those camps which we are promoting as follows: - AC Luxury Tents : US$ 600 AP on double occupancy (With Wooden Flooring). AC Deluxe Tents : US$ 400 AP on double occupancy (With Carpet Flooring). NON AC Deluxe Tents : US$ 250 AP on double occupancy. 10% TAXES EXTRA AS APPLICABLE. The above cost includes the following: Traditional Welcome with aarti tika and garlanding. Two Bottles of mineral water per day per tent. Pure Vegetarian Multi Cuisine Meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner). Folk Entertainment every evening. Bhajan and Kirtan everyday. And about the Juna Akhara news i would say there are many other akhara's to visit, like Niranjani Akhara, Mahanirwani Akhara(which are called the bigget akhara)and many more. Be assured this will be like an life time experience for you.

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 16:12:57 +0000

Here's another related article: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/foreigners-not-allowed-in-haridwar-akharas-during-2013-kumbh-mela/1/211738.html Juna Akhara can do as they like...the part that bothers me is that only foreigners are being banned. Indians who come to Juna Akhara to party are permitted! Also Indian photographers will have no problem...but foreign photographers are banned...that seems wrong to me.

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 16:17:44 +0000

Hi Niranjan thanks for commenting here. I attended the 2010 Haridwar Kumbh Mela. It was definitely the experience of a lifetime. I'm sure 2013 will also be incredible. I have many friends in Juna Akhara that I have been looking forward to visiting with. As you mentioned...there will hopefully be other places to visit where foreigners will be allowed.

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 18:32:01 +0000

Hi Cathy don't take it in wrong way, try to understand the cases Juna Akhara has faced in past. They are getting more concern about foreginers coming to their camps. And because of which they are trying to avoid the entry of any foreginer in their akhara. You will surely hear soon that this thing will be only done for night time, morning and afternoon guest will be allowed in their akhara. And what are your views about the camps which i mentioned above, these camps have Electricity facility with back up(Generators)too, hot and cold water supply in bathroom. Let me know if you require the same?

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 05:44:25 +0000

Niranjan thanks I am not needing a room in your camp but perhaps someone else will be interested. I respect the decision of Juna Akhara. I understand the problems they are having. What will be will be! :)

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 08:29:39 +0000

Hi Cathy, Noted same. And hope to see you there in Allahbad.

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 18:02:16 +0000

Hi Im planing to go to kumh by end of january. I have interest taking pictures about the prayers and -very important to me- about the places where (and when) the animals are also "purified", but i can´t find nothing about it ¿can anybody help me? (i apologize for my english)

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 06:35:10 +0000

Dear Mr Ruben, Let me have your e-mail address i will forward you the complete details about what to do and where to do.

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 20:06:58 +0000

hey everyone - thought Ill bring this to your notice - http://travellinglens.net/kumbh-mela-photography-workshops

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Sun, 25 Nov 2012 18:58:04 +0000

testing....can I post here?

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Sun, 25 Nov 2012 19:00:56 +0000

Hi! Okay, good. I've been unable to post here for the past couple of weeks. Wanted to keep the conversation going. Who is planning on attending the 2013 Kumbh Mela? Hoping to get a press pass? Are you coming with a J-visa? Please continue to keep this thread active with Kumbh Mela related information...

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 11:08:58 +0000

I'm planning to attend the Kumbh Mela between 5th and 12th Feb. I'm looking for someone to share a tent with during these dates. If you have one available or if you are in the same boat as I am, please let me know ASAP. Thanks.

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 11:52:03 +0000

I was stuck at work during the 2001 Mela and I've been awaiting the opportunity to attend the 2013 edition for a long time. I'll possibly be travelling with a friend of mine from England and figuring out the accomodation at the last minute as I don't have confirmed dates of travel as yet. I'd certainly want to step in and out during the early dates to avoid the mad rush and lack of resources at the auspicious dates later on.

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 05:27:06 +0000

Oh Im so in for this!

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Sun, 30 Dec 2012 06:02:46 +0000

Hello, I live in Bombay, and have made reservations for the Kumbh over two long weekends: the 16th-18th February and the 23rd-27th February. I have learnt that, unfortunately, the Juna Akhara will be leaving the Mela grounds to go to Kashi (Varanasi) on the 15th, and will be staying there for ALMOST TWO MONTHS! It seems to me that they have not stayed at any previous Kumbh for such a short period. There seems to be quite a reaction against publicity and foreigners going on among them. I am now wondering if all the other sanyassin are going to clear out so early, as well. Are the Niranjani Akhara leaving that early, too? It sort of makes the Kumbh a waste of time after the 15th February, because the real delight is meeting and talking to India's holy men.

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 18:11:11 +0000

Digby from what I hear that is not confirmed...it's a rumor at this point. Please post here if you hear differently. You may want to discuss this on the India Mike forum for the Kumbh Mela...it's much more active than this thread. http://www.indiamike.com/india/uttar-pradesh-f60/kumbh-mela-2013-allahabad-t154899/

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 16:05:51 +0000

Cathy, it's definitely NOT a "rumor." I now have a good many acquaintances in the Juna Akhara, via "social networking," and they have told me that their akhara are definitely clearing out of the Kumbh on the 16th February, to go to Varanasi and stay there until Holi. They are the largest group of sanyasin, as you must know.

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 18:23:29 +0000

Digby I also have Juna Akhara facebook friends :) they told me it was just a "political issue" and it's not confirmed. I'm not disagreeing with you...just want you to know I have heard something different that what you are saying. Either way it's all subject to change. I will also be there after 16th February so I will be interested to see what happens. I doubt the other akharas will leave early.

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:09:07 +0000

I couch surfed during the 2007 Ardh Kumbh Mela and met a lot of wonderful people that way. It was cheap and a great way to experience the Mela. I stayed on the Mela grounds for one week in a Sai Baba camp. I did a big (but old school) multimedia story about that event : http://www.bombayfc.com/kumbhmela_uk I wish I could go this time too. It was one of the biggest experiences in my life...

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Sun, 06 Jan 2013 10:06:21 +0000

To all who are emailing me privately asking about accommodations, press passes, etc...sorry I am traveling and have limited internet. I have a room in town that I reserved months ago. If you are looking for a place to stay I recommend you get on the India Mike forum. There is a lot of information with many people posting daily. http://www.indiamike.com/india/uttar-pradesh-f60/kumbh-mela-2013-allahabad-t154899/ Best of luck and see you there!

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 18:10:43 +0000

digbydolben I am in Allahabad...Juna Akahra is indeed leaving early...not for any political reasons or due to any reaction...just because after 15th February there are no more Naga Baba bathing dates. The remaining bathing dates are for the general public.

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 03:54:17 +0000

Then tell me why the Niranjani Akhara are NOT leaving, and why they say that they are open to receiving foreigners. Sorry, but I feel that the Juna Akhara ARE becoming politicized.

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 10:49:28 +0000

would be reaching by 8th Feb. Looking forward to meet up folks there.

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 06:07:25 +0000

digbydolben i am learning more about the political side of things...but i'm definitely in no position to comment. i see your comments on facebook via our mutual friends...let me know if you want to meet at the kumbh. take care.

Re: Kumbh Mela 2013

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 11:22:50 +0000

Cathy, my address at the Kumbh Mela, on the 16th-18th February, and then again, on the 23rd-26th February: Ultimate Luxury Camp Near Someshar Temple, Arar Ghat Naini Sector 14, Allahabad Phone: +91 9654150068