With the banks of the holy waters of Ganges set to host lakhs of devotees from January 13 to February 26 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, over 3,00,000 devotees from Gujarat are expected to travel to Prayagraj for this year’s Maha Kumbh.
More than 20 special trains from Gujarat and a flight from Ahmedabad to Prayagraj have been announced to manage the to and fro trips. The airfare from Ahmedabad to Prayagraj has surpassed ₹14,000 owing to high demands.
To participate in the Maha Kumbh, held once every 12 years, many people from Gujarat are planning to travel to Prayagraj via private buses and cars.
Additionally, waiting lists for trains are continuously increasing. Regular trains from Ahmedabad to Prayagraj are fully booked, with waiting lists exceeding 100 until February 26. The Ahmedabad-Barauni Express has declared “regret” status in the sleeper class until February 26, indicating no availability.
As train bookings are unavailable, some private tour operators have started bus services between Ahmedabad and Prayagraj. These buses take approximately 35 hours to cover the journey, with fares ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000.
Regarding flights, a direct flight from Ahmedabad departs at 8.10 am and reaches Prayagraj at 9.55 am. Airfare for this flight ranges from ₹6,000 to ₹14,000.
Furthermore, many villages and communities have arranged private buses to reach Prayagraj. Experts believe it’s difficult to estimate the exact number of people travelling from Gujarat, but between 3,00,000 to 5,00,000 devotees are expected to attend from the state.
Most saints from Gujarat have already reached Prayagraj and have begun setting up their community kitchens (bhandaras). Ashok Rawal, General Secretary of the Gujarat Region of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), stated, “Arrangements, including bhandaras, have been made to ensure that devotees from Gujarat face no difficulties during the Maha Kumbh.”
The VHP has also planned several events during the Maha Kumbh, including a conference for female saints, Yuva Sant Sammelan, Dharma Prasar Akhil Bharatiya Baithak, Dharma Prasar Sant Baithak, Gauraksha Akhil Bharatiya Baithak, and Gauraksha Sammelan.