Maha Kumbh Mela Photo Tour
Maha Kumbh Mela Photo Tour
12th – 16th Jan 2025
View Dates & Prices
Group Size
10 Participants
Location
Prayagraj, India.
MAHA KUMBH MELA PHOTO TOUR – OVERVIEW
The celebration of Kumbh Mela is the world’s largest religious gathering, occurring at four sacred locations based on the positions of the Sun and Jupiter in different zodiac signs. Held every third year in rotation at Haridwar, Allahabad (Prayag), Nasik, and Ujjain, the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad is considered the most auspicious among the four.
The Maha Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years at Prayag (Allahabad) since 3464 BC! On the occasion of Kumbh Mela, religious fervor reaches its peak when millions of pilgrims take dips in and worship the sacred river, Shipra. Sadhus and devotees from every nook and corner attend the religious ceremony of Kumbh Mela to attain salvation and liberation from the vicious cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
MAHA KUMBH MELA PHOTO TOUR – OVERVIEW
The celebration of Kumbh Mela is the world’s largest religious gathering, occurring at four sacred locations based on the positions of the Sun and Jupiter in different zodiac signs. Held every third year in rotation at Haridwar, Allahabad (Prayag), Nasik, and Ujjain, the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad is considered the most auspicious among the four.
The Maha Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years at Prayag (Allahabad) since 3464 BC! On the occasion of Kumbh Mela, religious fervor reaches its peak when millions of pilgrims take dips in and worship the sacred river, Shipra. Sadhus and devotees from every nook and corner attend the religious ceremony of Kumbh Mela to attain salvation and liberation from the vicious cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
The major attraction of the festival is the ‘Shahi Snan’ (Royal Bath), occurring on specific dates that vary each year. It is believed that those who partake in this royal bath cleanse themselves of sins from previous births. During the ‘Shahi Snan,’ thousands of devotees gather to witness the procession of ascetics heading to the ghats of the river Shipra for a holy dip. On the main bathing dates, a colorful and magnificent procession of radiant saints on chariots and elephants captivates thousands of Kumbh visitors. Only after these sadhus, representing various camps, have taken a holy dip are ordinary pilgrims allowed to bathe. Embark on a photographic journey of a lifetime with the Maha Kumbh Mela Photo Tour 2025, a rare chance to document the grandeur of the world’s biggest religious assembly through your lens.
Varanasi Extensions
“Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together”- Mark Twain. An extension to Varanasi, one of the most ancient living cities in the world with the fourth slot.
The major attraction of the festival is the ‘Shahi Snan’ (Royal Bath), occurring on specific dates that vary each year. It is believed that those who partake in this royal bath cleanse themselves of sins from previous births. During the ‘Shahi Snan,’ thousands of devotees gather to witness the procession of ascetics heading to the ghats of the river Shipra for a holy dip. On the main bathing dates, a colorful and magnificent procession of radiant saints on chariots and elephants captivates thousands of Kumbh visitors. Only after these sadhus, representing various camps, have taken a holy dip are ordinary pilgrims allowed to bathe. Embark on a photographic journey of a lifetime with the Maha Kumbh Mela Photo Tour 2025, a rare chance to document the grandeur of the world’s biggest religious assembly through your lens.
Varanasi Extensions
“Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together”- Mark Twain. An extension to Varanasi, one of the most ancient living cities in the world with the fourth slot.
TOUR LIMELIGHT
- You’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to photograph the world’s largest religious gathering.
- Special attraction: Shahi Snans by the Naga Sadhus as well as other Sadhus. One of the main attractions of the Kumbh Mela is the ‘Shahi Snans’ – Royal Baths. During the ‘Shahi Snan’, millions of devotees gather to catch a glimpse of the ascetics’ procession as they march towards the ghats for a Holy Dip.
- The enthralling experience of capturing a different kind of rituals every day.
- For photographers, it is an unparalleled and unforgettable experience to capture the environmental portraits of Naga Sadhus, pilgrims and people working.
- You’ll be in the city of the paradise for Street Photography.
A soul-enriching exploration and photographic journey of mystical significance. - The frame captures the religious processions, culture, religious legacy, ancient flavour and people in natural beauty.
- Extensive photography learning under the guidance of an accomplished mentor.
- This five-day photo tour is designed for advanced photographers as well as beginners to provide in-depth knowledge and understanding of how to SEE the UNSEEN and create images that stand out from millions of mundane images clicked by thousands of photographers.
ITINERARY
Day X
Pre-tour briefing about the attractions of the tour, safety precautions for the equipment and photographer during the tour, travelling instructions to/from your city to Allahabad etc. These discussions can be made via WhatsApp group, e-mail, and telephone after the reservation of your spot.
Day 1
Arrive in Prayagraj (Allahabad) (by air/bus/train). Proceed to the tent. Once everyone has checked in to our Maharaja Tents, we meet before lunch for a round of introduction and orientation, where the Mentor will brief the group on the entire schedule, what to expect over days to come, how to shoot for some particular situations and do’s and don’ts.
13.00 Lunch
15.30 Evening shoot of different rituals around the banks of the Ganges.
20.00 Back to camp
20.30 Dinner
Day 2
05:30 Early morning ritual shoot of sadhus taking holy dip on the Ganges. After that proceed to different Akahras where you can shoot portraitures of Naga Sadhus and their rituals.
08:30 Back to camp for breakfast
13:00 Lunch then rest for a while
15:00 Shoot the daily life of the nearby areas
20:00 Dinner
00:30 Proceed to the main bathing area. Shoot during the ‘Sahi Snans’ – according to different timings of different Sadhu Akharas and their processions.
Day 3
12:00 Come back to the campsite.
13:00 Lunch and then rest for a while.
15:00 Evening shoot of different rituals around the banks of the Ganges.
20:30 Dinner
Day 4
05:30 Early morning ritual shoot of sadhus taking holy dip on the Ganges. After that proceed to different Akahras where you can shoot portraitures of Naga Sadhus and their rituals.
08:30 Breakfast
13:00 Lunch
14:00 Spend the day exploring the Kumbh Mela area around the Sadhu Gram (Camp for all Sadhu Akharas).
20:30 Dinner
Day 5
06:00 Early morning shoot around the river banks.
08:30 Breakfast
12.00 Lunch and the tour comes to an end.
A note about this itinerary: Many factors can cause this itinerary to change.
For this reason, we have allowed a few days on either side of the trip.
EXTENSIONS
Varanasi Extension: 3-day optional extension to Varanasi, one of the most ancient living cities in the world with the fourth slot.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE OPTIONAL EXTENSION STARTS AFTER FINISHING THE LAST SLOT OF THE KUMBH MELA PHOTO TOUR (31ST TO 4TH FEBRUARY 2025). TO JOIN THE POST-EXTENSION, YOU’LL HAVE TO JOIN THE FOURTH SLOT OF THE MAIN TOUR.
Post-Extensions:
Day 1
After finishing the main tour those who opt for the optional Varanasi Photo Tour will proceed to Varanasi by road with our pre-booked vehicles are late model, air-conditioned SUVs or mini-buses with plenty of space.
In the evening we’ll shoot glorious Ganga Aarti at the main Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Overnight stay at a luxury hotel in Varanasi.
Day 2
05.30 Early morning shoot of Probhat Aroti at Assi Ghat. We will head towards the ghats early in the morning, to be there to see and photograph the sun rising over the river Ganga and the following morning rituals that happen on the ghats.
09.00 Back to Hotel and Breakfast.
13.45 Lunch
16.00 Out for Photowalk – Exclusive shoot at Manikarnika Ghat
20.00 Back to the hotel
20.30 Review of photographs taken on previous days’ shoot
22.00 Dinner
Day 3
05.30 Shooting sunrise and various Ghat activities from the boat
08.30 Breakfast
12.00 Lunch and the tour comes to an end. Tearful goodbyes as our driver drop you off at the airport to connect with your international flight. Have a safe trip!
DATE
12th to 16th January 2025
22nd to 26th January 2025
27th to 31st January 2025
1st to 5th February 2025
PRICE
Please note that costs are subject to change. Should we need to revise costs, we will endeavor to keep fees and dates as close as possible to the original.
| Date | Triple Occupancy | Double Occupancy | Single Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12th-16th Jan 2025 | Rs 55000 | Rs 85000 | Rs 125000 |
| 22nd-26th Jan 2025 | Rs 55000 | Rs 75000 | Rs 95000 |
| 27th-31st Jan 2025 | Rs 55000 | Rs 85000 | Rs 125000 |
| 1st-5th Feb 2025 | Rs 55000 | Rs 85000 | Rs 125000 |
| Date | Triple Occupancy | Double Occupancy | Single Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12th-16th Jan 2025 | 1500 USD | 2500 USD | 3500 USD |
| 22nd-26th Jan 2025 | 1500 USD | 2500 USD | 3500 USD |
| 27th-31st Jan 2025 | 1500 USD | 2500 USD | 3500 USD |
| 1st-5th Feb 2025 | 1500 USD | 2500 USD | 3500 USD |
| Date | Triple Occupancy | Double Occupancy | Single Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12th-16th Jan 2025 | Rs 55000 | Rs 85000 | Rs 125000 |
| 22nd-26th Jan 2025 | Rs 55000 | Rs 75000 | Rs 95000 |
| 27th-31st Jan 2025 | Rs 55000 | Rs 85000 | Rs 125000 |
| 11st-5th Feb 2025 | Rs 55000 | Rs 85000 | Rs 125000 |
| Date | Triple Occupancy | Double Occupancy | Single Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12th-16th Jan 2025 | 1500 USD | 2500 USD | 3500 USD |
| 22nd-26th Jan 2025 | 1500 USD | 2500 USD | 3500 USD |
| 27th-31st Jan 2025 | 1500 USD | 2500 USD | 3500 USD |
| 1st-5th Feb 2025 | 1500 USD | 2500 USD | 3500 USD |
EXTENSIONS PRICE
| Price | Double Occupancy | Single Occupancy |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Participants | Rs 18000 | Rs 22000 |
| Foreign Participants | 700 USD | 1000 USD |
EXTENSIONS PRICE
| Price | Double Occupancy | Single Occupancy |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Participants | Rs 18000 | Rs 22000 |
| Foreign Participants | 700 USD | 1000 USD |
*Limited seats on a first come first serve basis.
**Please read all details on this page and Detailed Terms and Conditions, disclaimer/undertaking in the Registration cum Booking Form.
Understand mythology to connect with your subject
The first recorded evidence of the Kumbh Mela can be found in the writings of the Chinese monk Xuanzang. According to medieval Hindu theology, its origin is traced back to one of the most popular Puranas of the time, the Bhagavata Purana. The Samudramanthan episode (Churning of the ocean of milk) is mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana, Vishnu Purana, the Mahabharata, and the Ramayana. The account goes that the Devas, weakened by the curse of the holy man Durvasa, sought to regain their strength. They approached Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva, who directed them to Lord Vishnu. Vishnu instructed them to churn the primordial ocean of milk, Ksheera Sagara, to obtain amrita (the nectar of immortality). To achieve this, they made a temporary alliance with their arch-enemies, the Asuras, agreeing to share the proceeds of the churning equally.
The Mandara Mountain served as the churning rod, and Vasuki, the king of serpents, agreed to become the rope for the churning. The process lasted for 1000 years, with the demons holding Vasuki’s head and the Gods holding his tail while churning.
Finally, Dhanwantari appeared, holding the Kumbh or pot containing amrita (elixir of immortality) in his palms. However, the Gods, being cautious, did not want amrita to fall into the hands of demons. They entrusted its safety to the deities Brihaspati, Surya, Shani, and Chandra. This angered the demons, leading to an attack on the Gods. Frightened, the Gods fled with the Kumbh, pursued by the Asuras. For twelve days and twelve nights (equivalent to twelve human years), the Devas and Asuras battled in the sky for the pot of amrita. It is believed that during this conflict, drops of amrita fell at four places: Allahabad (Prayag), Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. As 12 days of the Gods correspond to 12 years for humans, the Kumbh Mela is celebrated once every 12 years in each of the four locations—on the banks of the river Godavari in Nasik, Shipra in Ujjain, the Ganges in Haridwar, and at the Sangam of Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati in Allahabad. It is believed that during these times, these rivers flow with amrita.
Gallery
MEET YOUR MENTOR
Apratim Saha
Apratim Saha is the ideal mentor for the Maha Kumbh Mela Photo Tour, having successfully led numerous Kumbh Photo Tours in Allahabad, Ujjain, Nasik, and Haridwar. With extensive experience in organizing Kumbh Mela photo tours, he is well-connected with many Naga Sadhus, allowing him to guide you to the core of the rituals. Moreover, his in-depth knowledge of the rituals enhances the overall tour experience.
Internationally renowned photographer Apratim Saha has been living his dream of travelling to various countries for his photographic assignments and workshops for the past three decades. Apratim is a contributing photographer for National Geographic, Getty Images and Stocksy United. He is a Canon Brand Ambassador and the Global Brand Ambassador and Mentor for Datacolor, Nisi, Godox, Vanguard, Dxo and Blackrapid.
He has over 38 years of experience, from traditional film to digital photography. He is a commercial photographer specializing in people photography, portraiture, lifestyle & editorial clients. Read More…
MEET YOUR MENTOR
Apratim Saha
Apratim Saha is the ideal mentor for the Maha Kumbh Mela Photo Tour, having successfully led numerous Kumbh Photo Tours in Allahabad, Ujjain, Nasik, and Haridwar. With extensive experience in organizing Kumbh Mela photo tours, he is well-connected with many Naga Sadhus, allowing him to guide you to the core of the rituals. Moreover, his in-depth knowledge of the rituals enhances the overall tour experience. Internationally renowned photographer Apratim Saha has been living his dream of travelling to various countries for his photographic assignments and workshops for the past three decades. Apratim is a contributing photographer for National Geographic, Getty Images and Stocksy United. He is a Canon Brand Ambassador and the Global Brand Ambassador and Mentor for Datacolor, Nisi, Godox, Vanguard, Dxo and Blackrapid. He has over 38 years of experience, from traditional film to digital photography. He is a commercial photographer specializing in people photography, portraiture, lifestyle & editorial clients. Read More…
BLOG
In Search of The Nectar: Kumbh Mela
A Photographer’s Journey
FAQs
Can I join this trip as a non-photographer?
Sure! If your significant other wants you there by their side then be our guest! Similarly, if you just want to come alone without a camera then don’t feel that you need to be into photography. This photo tour is designed to be an immersive experience for everyone and we have hosted many non-photographers on previous photo tours. During my previous Kumbh Mela photo tour, our non-photographer guests spent many hours just spending time with the sadhus and walking alongside them rather than shooting photographs. Don’t worry, there will be plenty of things to occupy your time as a non-photographer.
What kind of things should I bring?
This is a moderately cold-weather trip, so you have to bring warm clothing. During the daytime, it’ll not be that cold; it’ll be around 20°C, but at night, it can be as cold as 8°C.
This is a suggested packing list to make your trip a fulfilling and comfortable experience.
- Backpack or suitcase
- Comfortable light boots for walking
- Light Warm Jacket
- Light Warm Trousers
- Sunglasses
- Suncare cream
- Wet tissues
- Insurance confirmation copy
- Emergency contact number
- Carry your essential and basic medicines for headaches, fever, stomach upset, etc.
Suggested Equipment
You may bring cameras, a laptop (for post processing during free time), these kinds of things instantly spring to mind. Once you confirm your booking with a 40% deposit, we will send you all the information you need to fully prepare yourself for this epic journey.
This is just an idea about the suggested camera and accessory:
- One or two DSLR or Mirrorless (Full Frame or Crop Sensor) cameras. If you use a full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera, for much of the time, when photographing the tribes or rituals, you will want to cover focal lengths of around 24-70mm or 24-105mm. However, a kit lens (18-55/3.5 or 4.0) will also work.
- For photographing portraits, consider bringing a prime telephoto lens of 85mm.
- If you bring a good quality bridge camera instead of a DSLR or mirrorless camera, it will be best if it has an optical zoom of 18-20x or more, combined with a reasonable wide angle at the other end of the zoom range.
- Protector for your lens.
- Power Bank & Electric Socket Extension.
- Adequate memory card and Card reader.
- Be sure to bring plenty of spare battery power for your camera and external hard drive with adequate space and a card reader.
- A Computer with photo-processing software [Lightroom, Photoshop]. (If you do not have this software, don’t worry we’ll provide it.)
- Carry a microfiber to wipe the lens.
How fit do I need to be to join this photo tour?
Normal physical fitness will be enough to join the Kumbh Mela Photo Tour. This is a very large area and you need to be in good walking shape, up to 8 to 10 or more kilometres per day. There are no transport options, may not even be a rickshaw, on the main bathing day. So please keep in mind that you have to walk a lot.
What should we expect?
- It will be very crowded during Sahi Snan (Royal Bath).
Climate
There will be pleasant and cool weather in the daytime with maximum temperatures of about 20°C. Nights become cooler with a minimum of 8°C in the month of January. Remember one thing all the main events like Sahi Snans are either very early in the morning before sunrise or in the evening after sunset. So, it will be cold during that time.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
- Stay will be at Maharaja Tents situated within 2 Km from Royal Bathing Point (Main Bathing Place) for five days and four nights. The tents are located just beside the Akharas where all Naga Sadhus and other Sadhus will take their holly dip into the river during bathing dates.
- Accommodations in a Deluxe Triple Occupancy / Double Occupancy / Single Occupancy (Separate Bedded) fully decorated, carpet flooring Cottage with attached bath, couch, mattress, blanket, room heater and hot water.
- Two times Tea, Breakfast, Lunch and dinner on all days. Pure veg food will be provided.
- Expert guidance on the street, portrait, daily life and cultural photography with a particular emphasis on Kumbh Mela.
- Ample packaged drinking water will be provided.
- Wi-Fi facilities in the campsite.
What is not included?
- Anything else other than mentioned includes
- All expenses of a personal nature
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Any pickup and drop
- Medical expenses
- Any alcoholic drinks
- Travel Insurance
- Laundry services
- Gifts, personal treats
- Any tips nything else other than mentioned in includes
ACCOMODATION
Stay will be at Maharaja Tents situated within 2 Km from Royal Bathing Point (Main Bathing Place) for five days and four nights. The tents are located just beside the Akharas where all Naga Sadhus and other Sadhus will take their holly dip into the river during bathing dates.
Accommodations in a fully decorated carpet flooring Deluxe Tent having Triple Occupancy / Double Occupancy / Single Occupancy (Separate Bedded). If you are travelling solo and prefer to share, we will match you with a same-sex roommate on a first-come, first-served basis. If there is no one to match you in the end, a full single supplement would be required.
Facilities at the Maharaja Tents:
- Fully decorate carped flooring deluxe tent
- With attached bath and commode
- Two times hot water
- Couch, mattress, blanket, room heater 24 hours
- Wi-Fi facilities
Important points to be noted
- The tour is designed from Allahabad to Allahabad.
- This tour is conceptualized in such a way that personal attention can be given to each and every photographer, and for that, the group will be restricted to 10 photographers only.
- This tour has been specifically designed for the photographers. Non-photographer spouse/friend may be accommodated on the tour, but at full cost and on agreeing to stick to the schedule of the tour.
- While all care would be taken to stick to the schedule, unforeseen circumstances and time consistency might lead to some changes.
- Please note that costs are subject to change as not all of our partner properties have released their rates. Should we need to revise costs, we will endeavor to keep fees and dates as close as possible to the original.
- Please also note that the timing of the rituals can be changed according to the present situation of the festival. The mentor will guide you throughout the festival.
- If we are unable to find a suitable match for your desired occupancy type, we reserve the right to upgrade you automatically to the next available option. You agree to pay the difference in cost.
Conditions
- The maximum number of participants is listed under the price section; however, we reserve the right to add up to two to the maximum number of participants for this photo tour.
- Participants will be granted the photo tour based on email confirmation on a first-come, first-served basis.
- We reserve the right to amend, increase, and correct errors in the price of tours.
- Physical Difficulty: Moderate. If you are in excellent walking shape, you’ll be fine.
Feel free to call +91-8509333385 or WhatsApp at +91-8900702900 for any further assistance.
Booking
To reserve your spot 40% of the full tour amount is required to pay at the time of your booking. Balance amount to be paid 60 days before the tour. You can pay using the online payment link on our website or ask for the account details or PayPal to transfer the payment. Your reservation may be cancelled if full payment has not been received by the last date specified and communicated. Once the payment is done, please send us a copy of the bank receipt (a screenshot is also fine) of your payment details. Once we confirm your payment, we will send you the confirmation email along with the Rules and regulations of the tour, which makes you, a confirmed candidate for the photo tour.
Cancellation and Refunds
Cancellation And Refunds:
In the event of a cancellation or modification of your confirmed booking, Exposure’s Cancellation and Refund Policy for Photography Workshops will be applicable, and you need to fully agree to be bound by them. Any refunds will be made within 15 working days from the date of written confirmation of cancellation, via the same mode with which the payment was made to us.
All cancellation notices must be received in writing and will become effective as of the date of the postmark (standard mail or electronic).
Cancellation deductions will be as per the following policy of full fees:
- 40% cancellation of the total fee if cancelled 90 days before the start of the expedition or earlier than the expedition.
- 100% cancellation of the total fee if cancelled 59 days on or before the start of the expedition.
Please read all details on this page and the Detailed Terms and Conditions, Disclaimer / Undertaking in the Registration cum Booking Form.
Deadlines
Registration is open from 1st January 2024 till the seat reservations end. Please note that we have just opened the Maha Kumbh Mela photo tour and are already approaching capacity. So please don’t delay and risk missing this one!
How to reach Prayagraj?
By Air
Prayagraj Airport, also known as Allahabad Airport, is a domestic airport that is about 10 Kilometers away from the main city but limited flights are available. The second nearest Airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi which is 150 kilometers from Allahabad. Varanasi Airport is well connected to the rest of India and by daily flights.
By Train
Prayagraj is well-connected by trains to major cities such as Kolkata, Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, and Mumbai. The primary railway station in Prayagraj is Prayagraj Junction. Numerous express and superfast trains operate to and from Prayagraj.
By Road
Prayagraj, situated on National Highways 2 and 27, is well-connected to all parts of the country through well-maintained roads. Buses operate to both neighbouring and distant destinations, including Varanasi, Lucknow, Kanpur, Patna, Jhansi, and Gorakhpur, among others.
TESTIMONIALS
