2010 Mahakumbh anyone?

[hitanshu]

Here are two sources of info:


The entire Kumbh Mela region – Haridwar, Rishikesh, parts of Dehradun has been marked as a separate district for the period. Approximately 40-50 million people may travel to Haridwar during that period. Following are the important days on which most of the gathering is expected.

Important Dates

14 January 2010 (Thursday) – Makar Sankranti Snan (dip)
15 January 2010 (Friday) – Mauni Amavasya and Surya Grahan Snan (Solar Eclipse)
20 January 2010 (Wed) – Basant Panchmi Snan
30 January 2010 (Saturday) – Magh Purnima Snan
*12 February 2010 (Friday) – Maha Shivratri – Pratham Shahi Snan *
*15 March 2010 (Monday) – Somvati Amavasya – Dvitya Shahi Snan *
16 March 2010 (Tuesday) – Nav Sanvstar Snan
24 March 2010 (Wednesday) – Ram Navmi Snan
30 March 2010 (Tuesday) – Chaitra Purnima Snan
*14 April 2010 (Wednesday) – Baisakhi – Tritya Shahi Snan*
28 April 2010 (Wednesday) – Shakh Purnima Snan

(Days marked with a * are considered most auspicious and therefore will have the maximum number of people taking a dip in the Holy Gangas)

Expected Problems:
1. Entire criminal intimidation can be expected because of huge crowd.
2. Spread of swine flu, gastroenteritis etc outbreaks, other respiratory infections etc.
3. Massive Traffic Jams.
4. Stampedes.

Arrangements made by the Government

1. Deployment of 100 companies of forces including police, paramilitary force etc.
2. Vehicle routes have been diverted to avoid traffic jams.
3. Help line has been set up for any kind of emergency -. dial 100
4. Several health camps has been arranged to provide medical facility.
5. Help line for medical emergency has been set up- dial 108.
6. Central control room has been set up.

Advisory:

Following the consultation with the Police authorities External missions to Haridwar and Rishikesh should be suspended for the aforesaid period.
• Travel to Haridwar is not recommended especially on the aforesaid days.
• Travel to Dehradun should preferably by Train/ Air.
• In case of road travel from Delhi route suggested is via Sarahnpur ( Delhi – Roorkee – Saharanpur Rd – Dehradun)


My point is - I am trying to get my ass over there on 29th night. Who else is interested?

One car (Swift) is definitely leaving from Delhi. Others?

[KrishnenduKes]

My friend Saurabh has just got back from a week long stint at the Kumbh in Haridwar. I saw some of his photographs on the front page of the Express. I listened to some of his stories in the past. It can be pretty tough getting to the ghats during the final phase of the lunar cycle. It would be nice if you could get there and shoot some photographs for us.

Discussion Approved

[robin234]

I'm ready to go there and to capture the event ,but I'm not sure how tough it will be :P

[hitanshu]

care to elaborate?

[Aryan]

@Tau: I am definitely interested to go there and shoot, and this time, it won't be for leisure purposes only! ;) However, I will be visiting the Kumbh Mela only during the 1st/ 2nd week of February, 2010.

[robin234]

what if we all go together ???

@hitanshu :I meant the same what Krishnendu meant .

[Bibudesh]

My point is - I am trying to get my ass over there on 29th night. Who else is interested?

One car (Swift) is definitely leaving from Delhi. Others?

have at least one vacant seat reserved. Who knows anyone can meet their 'bichhde hue bhai-behan' !..