The Kumbh Mela takes place just outside the sacred city of Allahabad, North India. Millions will flock to the
temporary city built on the banks of the Ganges. Although temporary, this city will function like any other
with a Police headquarters and housing for a population over twice the size of Greater London. This city,
however, has a higher purpose, which all visitors intend to be involved in. This is to follow the holy men
processions to the waterâs edge and to bathe in the Ganges at the most spiritually significant time.
To get a feel for the Kumbh Mela city, scroll over the points of interest to view the most important places
on the 4, 000 acre site:
bathing area
procession area
police headquarters
monastic orders area
minor sects area
pilgrims area
meeting and conference area
tourist area
boat area
bathing area
procession area
police headquarters
monastic orders area
minor sects area
pilgrims area
meeting and conference area
tourist area
boat area
The Sangam is the most significant area at the Kumbh. This is the confluence of the holy rivers: the Ganga, Yamuna
and the mythical Saraswati. This is where the millions of pilgrims will bathe, as they believe the waters will
turn into immortality inducing nectar on the most auspicious bathing days (see Bathing Calendar).
This is the path the thousands of Sadhus will take to the holy waters on the main bathing days. Over 25 million
pilgrims will witness the grand processions, lead by the Naga Warrior Sadhus (see Nagas).
This will be home to the Kumbh Mela Police Force lead by Alok Sharma. It will house the
18, 000 strong force and deal with criminals in the city. It is also the main centre for "Lost and Found",
so will look after anyone who has become separated from his or her family.
The most important holy sects will reside as close to the Sangam (river confluence) as possible. These will
include the main Sadhu sects such as Nagas and important Akharas (Sadhu groups) such as the Juna Akhara.
A little further back from the Sangam, the public sects such as Krishnas will have their camp.
Furthest from the Sangam, the millions of pilgrims (up to 30 million on the main bathing day) will set up
camp in their own area.
A meeting area, to discuss religious and political issues, is next to the monastic ordersâ camp. It will also
accommodate the BJP Indian political party.
Along the river will be a separate area to house tourists.
Close to the Sangam are jetties for the many boats that will take pilgrims to the main bathing ghat (platform).
See Characters to meet one of the many boatman who will make large profits from their trips.
