Cruise Your Way To Kumbh Mela This Year

The Kumbh Mela is all set to start from January 15, 2019 and is expected to be bigger and better than the last year. And for the first time, to boost the smooth movement of devotees, the Inland Waterways Authority of India will be starting motorboat and cruise rides from January 5. According to media reports, CL Kasturba along with 20 motorized boats will be sailed in the waters, carrying pilgrims to and fro in the region. Four floating terminals have been established for the same at Old Naini Bridge, Quila Ghat, Sujawan Ghat and Saraswati Ghat on river Ganga and the Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh.

Cost of Cruise

The service was handed over to the Mela authorities from Inland Waterways Authority of India on 1st January. A ride from Quila Ghat to Sujavan covering a distance of 18 km will cost between INR 200 to INR 1200 per person, according to reports. This will be a daily service running at between 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM with each ride taking half an hour. The boats can carry around 150 people at a time.

What To Expect This Year

This year, the area for the Mela has increased from a 20 km radius to a whopping 45 km. Devotees will be able to see the Saraswati Koop, the source of Saraswati River and the Sacred Banyan Tree known as Akshay Vat. In addition, construction of a new road leading to the tree is ongoing.

The 55-day-long Mela which ends on 4th March 2019 will also host the heads of missions from different countries invited by the Ministry of External Affairs to showcase them the grandeur of the largest religious fair of India.

The Kumbh at Allahabad is recognized by UNESCO and is on its Representative List of Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The Mela is attended by over 100 million people every year.