Spiritual Travel

A ‘Maha’ spiritual journey

Published

7 months ago

January 21, 2025

As crores of people embark on a sacred journey to Prayagraj to take a holy dip at the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, many devotees, including those from down south, are setting out on a spiritual journey of a lifetime, covering not only Prayagraj but also the grand Ram mandir at Ayodhya, Kashi Vishwanath Temple at Varanasi, and Chitrakoot dham, where Lord Ram spent over 11 years of his exile.

The Maha Kumbh, which commenced with a ‘shahi Shan’ on January 13 and will continue till February 26, has elevated India’s ancient cultural and religious traditions to global prominence. This year, the Maha Kumbh has an added significance to it as it falls during a rare celestial alignment that occurs only once in 144 years. This aspect is inspiring a significant number of devotees to embark on a holy pilgrimage.
Spiritual journey

For Lata Reddy, Director, Deepaditya Developers, the Kumbh Mela has always been a profound spiritual journey, a chance to reconnect with her roots, reflect inwardly, and cleanse both mind and soul. “What motivated me this time is not just the significance of the event itself but also the opportunity to witness how spirituality continues to thrive in India, blending the ancient with the modern,” says the past chairperson of the FICCI Ladies Organisation. She is among those who plan to visit other sacred sites such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Chitrakoot.

Ayodhya is at a distance of about 164 km from Prayagraj, Varanasi is 122 km away. As for Chitrakoot, it is about 130 km from Prayagraj — making it convenient for devotees to visit all the places in one go.
“With the newly constructed Ram Mandir and the beautifully renovated Kashi Vishwanath temple, there’s a renewed sense of devotion and pride in these timeless landmarks. Chitrakoot holds a serene charm and is a place I have always wanted to experience deeply.”
This entire circuit, feels Lata, is like a journey through India’s spiritual and cultural essence. “It’s not just about visiting temples or taking the holy dip — it’s about immersing oneself in the energy of these places and returning with a sense of
peace, purpose, and spiritual fulfilment,” says Lata, who attended the Kumbh Mela in 2013.
‘Humanity’

“What touched me the most about the Maha Kumbh is the goodness in humanity. The mega event is so well-organised that there is no pushing or groping. Entrepreneur Gunupati Hitha Reddy smiles, rekindling her belief in the human race. She says the positive energy at Maha Kumbh, the enlightened Sadhus, and people taking a dip to wash away their sins speak volumes. “People were giving way to others, waiting to help despite the vast crowds,” she says, adding that the event shows how humans innately want to be good. Hitha and her friend Divya Singh took Shahi Snan (Holy Dip) on Jan 14. “The energy was surreal — devotees, mystics, and monks converging with unique purposes. The Peshwai procession was as chaotic as it was grand, with people moving in all directions. Then came the Nagas — thousands of ash-covered, clothing-optional sadhus walking with absolute confidence, their presence radiating timeless spirituality. I felt an undeniable energy shift, a moment of awe at witnessing a tradition alive for thousands of years. Amid the crowd and chaos, the real highlight was the kindness of the people.

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From helpful policemen to volunteers offering directions, everyone was ready to lend a hand. I returned home elated, grateful, and full of positivity. The Kumbh was chaotic, magical, and deeply spiritual-a perfect reflection of life itself,” says entrepreneur Divya Singh.
Vani Subhas, the founder and owner of Hansa Holidays, even did an Insta post about the Maha Kumbh within her circle of friends and acquaintances which triggered a huge interest.

“We normally do customised luxury holidays within India and abroad. But we realised that the Maha Kumbh had caught the imagination and that there are many Hyderabadis wanting to experience this once-in-12-years event,” says Vani.
The bookings, she says, have been overwhelming, and she had to close down to keep groups small and manageable. “Some are doing the entire circuit of Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Chitrakoot, while others are choosing only Prayagraj. Women, as usual, are leading the way in this, although some couples have also made reservations,” she adds. Typically, they travel in small groups, accompanied by their office staff.
‘Well organised’

For Radhika Shastry, who attended the last four Kumbh Melas, it was a very well-organised mega event. “There are people who lead you over pontoon bridges to go and bathe at the ghat. Each year, the technological expertise seems to increase, and a significant amount of work goes into organising it, she says.
The Maha Kumbh is better managed. “No other country other than India can do it on such a large scale,” says Radhika, who even published a book of photographs titled Kumbh: The Greatest Show on Earth.

Having grown up in Dehradun, which is close to Haridwar, where a Kumbh Mela was held in 2021, she has been hearing the stories of the Naga Sadhus and Kumbh Mela since childhood.
“These childhood memories kept coming back to me, and I wanted to explore why they did. So in 2013, I decided to go for the Maha Kumbh in Allahabad,” she informs.

While Ayodhya is of huge significance to the Hindus, as it is the birthplace of Lord Ram, Kamadgiri Parvat in Chitrakoot is an equally important site where Lord Ram, Sita, and Laxman spent more than 11 years in exile. It is also the place where Bharat met Lord Ram and persuaded him to return to Ayodhya and accept the throne. People say the meeting of the brothers was so overwhelming that even the rocks and mountains of Chitrakoot melted.

Rarest Kumbh
in 144 years

The Mahakumbh, held every 144 years at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, is a celebration of faith and liberation. The alignment of planets and stars is precisely the same as it was during the spill. We are witnessing this perfection after 12 Kumbh festivals, spanning 144 years. As the devotees took a dip in the bone-chilling water, they heard chants of Har Har Mahadev, Jai Shri Ram, and Jai Ganga Maiyya. It wasn’t just the spiritual significance but the collective humanity that left an impression. Meeting with Naga Sadhus felt like stepping into another world,” say Radhika Jalan & Neha Rajgarhia of NR Travelbuddyz, who curate journeys that blend comfort with spirituality.

Sets New Global Standards
At the break of dawn on January 13, crores of people made their way through the dense fog, braving the winter chill, and stepped into the biting cold waters of Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. The Maha Kumbh is being celebrated after 12 years, and over 45 crore devotees are expected for the event, which will showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions.
Devotees take part in elaborate rituals, prayers, and religious processions with elephants, as well as horseback parades and chariots. This year, the festival will see devotees from 182
countries.

THREE
GENERATIONS

In search of spiritual enlightenment, chartered accountant Aashish Joshi and his family visited Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Ayodhya. The 15-person, three-generation family drove from Hyderabad to experience the hallowed places’ heavenly essence, braving the mayhem. The once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the Maha Kumbh after 144 years inspired this voyage. “Seeing this historic event with three generations of the family made this journey even more special. Grandparents, parents, and children made the trip special,” smiles Aashish.
He advises using e-rickshaws and boats to make the lengthy hike to the sangam easier. The family then visited Varanasi to see the Kashi Vishwanath Temple’s captivating Shayan Aarti.

UNSECO tag for the event
The Kumbh Mela has been recognised by UNESCO as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,” underlining its global significance and cultural importance.

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Spiritual Travel

Bilaspur Set to Transform into Himachal’s Ultimate Adventure and Spiritual Hub

Published

5 hours ago

August 4, 2025

admin

Move over, Manali and Shimla! Bilaspur is gearing up to become the state’s next big tourism hotspot, blending adrenaline-pumping adventures with serene spiritual experiences. The district administration has rolled out ambitious plans to develop water, land, and aerial tourism, promising something for thrill-seekers, pilgrims, and nature lovers alike.

A Sky-High Attraction: The Glass Bridge

Imagine walking on a transparent bridge, suspended high above breathtaking landscapes—Bilaspur’s upcoming Glass Bridge at Bharari will do just that! Designed to rival global attractions, this engineering marvel will offer daredevils an unforgettable experience while giving tourists a reason to extend their stay. Officials confirm the blueprint is ready, and construction will kick off soon after final approvals.

Sailing Through Scenic Routes: The Water Metro

Pilgrims visiting Maa Naina Devi will soon have a faster, more scenic journey thanks to the proposed Water Metro, connecting Bhakra Ghat to Kosariya Ghat. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about turning travel into an experience. Devotees and tourists can hop on boats, enjoy the tranquil waters, and even transport their vehicles via waterways.

Jet Skis, Kayaking & More: Water Sports at Nakrana

Bhakra Dam’s pristine waters are about to get a lot more exciting! The district is eyeing water sports like jet skiing, kayaking, and boating to attract adventure junkies. The best part? Pilgrims heading to Naina Devi can now add a splash of adventure to their spiritual trip.

Bharari – The New Stopover Destination

Strategically located near Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala, Bharari will soon feature modern tourist hubs with food plazas, parking, rest areas, and info centers. No more cramped pit stops—just smooth, comfortable breaks for travelers.

Listening to Locals: Boaters Get a Voice

Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar made sure local boat operators were heard during inspections, promising quick fixes to their concerns. This people-first approach ensures tourism growth benefits everyone.

Bilaspur’s transformation isn’t just about flashy infrastructure—it’s about jobs for youth, better travel experiences, and putting this hidden gem on India’s tourism radar. With projects set to launch soon, the district is poised to become a must-visit for those seeking adventure, spirituality, and untouched natural beauty.

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Spiritual Travel

Shiva Tribe Debuts in Gurgaon’s Tikli-Raiseena: IMPC’s Bold Step to Merge Spirituality, Rural Tourism, and Modern Family Wellness

Published

6 hours ago

August 4, 2025

ANI

VMPL

New Delhi [India], August 4: In the lush rural landscape of Tikli-Raiseena near Gurgaon, a new chapter in India’s spiritual and rural tourism ecosystem quietly unfolded. The International Mandir Prabandhak Committee (IMPC) launched its ambitious spiritual wellness initiative–Shiva Tribe–an experience-driven, immersive space designed to reconnect Gen Z and modern families with India’s timeless spiritual roots.

Set against the tranquil backdrop of Haryana’s Aravalli fringes, Shiva Tribe is more than a mandir–it is a curated journey of self-discovery, holistic wellness, and cultural revival, seamlessly merging ancient wisdom with modern aspirations. The inaugural three-day Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav was held in July, graced by spiritual luminaries including Pujya Shri Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj, Pujya Shri Dayanand Ji Maharaj, and dignitaries such as Haryana’s former Minister Shri Om Prakash Dhankar. Business leaders, rural development advocates, and spiritual patrons attended in significant numbers–signaling a rising interest in faith-based tourism models.

Spiritual Tourism: India’s Growing Wellness Sector

India’s spiritual tourism market is undergoing a silent revolution. According to the Ministry of Tourism, the wellness and spiritual tourism segment is projected to reach USD 30 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of over 10%. With over 330 million domestic religious tourists recorded annually and rising international interest in authentic Indian experiences, initiatives like Shiva Tribe have the potential to create high-value, low-impact tourism models in rural belts–generating employment, fostering entrepreneurship, and revitalizing local economies.

“In today’s fragmented lifestyle, families are searching for meaningful escapes–not just vacations. Shiva Tribe is that sacred pause–a place to reconnect, reflect, and realign, together,” said Dr. Preet Sandhuu, mentor of the project and a key voice in India’s contemporary spiritual movement.

A New Blueprint: Spirituality Meets Community Living

Unlike traditional spiritual centers, Shiva Tribe offers a complete spiritual-eco retreat–including weekend live devotional music by its in-house ‘Shiva Tribe Band’, yoga sessions, mantra-infused meditations, Vedic rituals, and stay facilities for families. It’s a full-circle experience designed to inspire urban youth and families alike to step into a more conscious, value-driven lifestyle.

“Here, spirituality is not a sermon–it’s an experience,” said Shri MP Singh, project visionary and founder of ShivaTribe. “We want to build a network of such community-driven centers across rural India, using temple heritage as a catalyst for rural rejuvenation and youth engagement.”

Rural Regeneration Through Faith

The Tikli model aligns with India’s rural tourism policy goals by transforming underexplored rural regions into mindful tourism destinations. With over 60% of India’s population residing in villages, initiatives like this leverage India’s spiritual capital to promote rural entrepreneurship, handicrafts, organic farming, and ecotourism–creating a sustainable rural economy rooted in culture and community.

IMPC’s Broader Mission

The International Mandir Prabandhak Committee (IMPC), known for initiatives like the Mahasangam Yatra, Trisul Yatra and Shiv-Shakti Kendras, is rapidly becoming a bridge between India’s ancient temple traditions and its digital future. Its work focuses on temple modernization, spiritual leadership development, and community revival–backed by collaborations with scholars, saints, and civic leaders.

By anchoring the Shiva Tribe initiative in Tikli, IMPC demonstrates how faith-based community models can attract tourism, foster economic inclusion, and support national goals like ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Digital Bharat’.

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