The ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj has attracted millions of devotees from across the country. However, many visitors, including Dinesh Rana, are facing challenges due to massive crowds and rising expenses. Rana had to cut short his pilgrimage after being overwhelmed by high transportation and accommodation costs.
Dinesh and his friends set off for the Maha Kumbh last Friday from Delhi, expecting a 10-12 hour road trip to Prayagraj. However, due to severe traffic congestion, they only arrived on Sunday morning, still 20 kilometers away from the Sangam. Struggling with limited public transport options, Dinesh attempted to find a ride but was hit with exorbitant prices e-rickshaw drivers demanded Rs 1,000, while bikers quoted Rs 500-600.
With no affordable choices, they decided to walk the entire 20 kilometers. Once they reached the Sangam coast, exhaustion set in, and they sought a place to rest. To their dismay, hotel rates that usually cost Rs 1,000 per day had skyrocketed to Rs 5,000 per hour, and after searching tirelessly, they couldn’t find any reasonably priced accommodation.
Exhausted and disheartened, Dinesh and his friends decided to cut their trip short and head home without the usual holy dip. Reflecting on their return journey, Dinesh recalled the pandemonium at the bus stop, where a massive crowd fought to get on the few buses available. “People were so desperate that some even tried to board through the driver’s seat,” he said. To make matters worse, everyday essentials were being sold at inflated prices—water bottles costing Rs 20 and tea priced at Rs 50. What should have been a spiritually fulfilling journey turned into a frustrating ordeal due to the unexpected expenses and overwhelming chaos.