In 2027, one of the most extraordinary religious events on the planet returns: the Kumbh Mela in Nashik . And, once again, PhotoTravel will be there to experience it from the inside.
Held only every 12 years , the Kumbh Mela brings together millions of pilgrims, sadhus and ascetics from all corners of India, turning the city of Nashik into a unique setting of spirituality, tradition and photography.
For several days we will witness the impressive processions of the Naga Sadhus , the sacred baths in the Godavari River and countless unrepeatable scenes that make this festival one of the largest human gatherings in the world.
A unique experience for any photographer and traveler passionate about Indian culture.
What is Kumbh Mela?
The Kumbh Mela in Nashik is one of the most important spiritual events in Hinduism and one of the largest human gatherings on the planet. Held only every 12 years , millions of pilgrims, sadhus, and ascetics arrive from all corners of India to bathe in the sacred waters of the Godavari River , considered one of the most revered rivers in the country.
Nashik is one of the four holy cities where the Kumbh Mela is held, along with Prayagraj (Allahabad) , Haridwar , and Ujjain . According to Hindu tradition, these four cities were blessed when, during the legendary battle between the devas (gods) and the asuras (demons) for amrita , the nectar of immortality, several drops fell upon these places, making them sites of extraordinary spiritual significance.
During the festival, pilgrims believe that the ritual bath in the Godavari River purifies the soul, cleanses accumulated sins, and bestows blessings upon both the believer and their ancestors. This act of faith brings together millions of people in a unique atmosphere where spirituality, tradition, and devotion completely transform the city.
For any photographer, the Kumbh Mela in Nashik represents an exceptional opportunity to document one of the most impressive religious manifestations in the world: Naga Sadhu processions, ancestral rituals, riverside ceremonies, and an atmosphere difficult to find anywhere else on the planet.
A journey where photography becomes a window to understand the immense spiritual and cultural wealth of India.
What will you see and photograph during the Kumbh Mela?
One of the main attractions of the Kumbh mela is the ability to see and interact with the elusive Naga Sadhus. We will be able to visit them in their Juna Akharas, in addition to observing from a privileged place the preparation of the rituals prior to the sacred baths and participate with them in the ceremonial parades.
During the Kumbh Mela , the city becomes the nerve center of religious debates and assemblies. In addition to millions of pilgrims, this festival is attended by the most varied mixture of Gurus, sadhus and saints of all kinds. Apart from the Nagas already mentioned, you will see the Urdhwavahurs, who continually subject the body to severe austerities and penances, or the Parivajakas, who have taken a vow of silence, the Shirshasinse, who are always standing, sleep with their heads resting on a vertical pole, the Kalpvasis, who stand on the banks of the river and spend their time meditating, perform rituals and bathe numerous times a day, to the Dandis, dressed in orange and carrying a large flag of the same color, and even to Sadhvis, sadhu women.
Why travel to the Kumbh Mela with PhotoTravel?
PhotoTravel has extensive experience organizing photographic tours in India. After experiencing the Kumbh Mela firsthand several times, we returned in 2027 to Nashik , one of the most impressive religious festivals on the planet.
Organizing a photographic expedition to an event that draws millions of pilgrims requires meticulous planning, in-depth knowledge of the destination, and a reliable local team. After many years traveling throughout India, we understand the logistics necessary to be in the right places at the right time.
Our goal is for you to experience the Kumbh Mela from a privileged perspective, accompanying the grand processions of the Naga Sadhus , attending the sacred baths in the Godavari River , and discovering the intense spiritual life that completely transforms the city of Nashik during the festival.
Beyond photography, we want to offer an authentic experience, where coexistence, respect for local culture and immersion in one of the world’s greatest religious celebrations are the true protagonists.
Thanks to our experience and the logistics developed over the years, we will be able to access the best locations to photograph the festival and enjoy an expedition designed to make the most of every day.
Because a trip to the Kumbh Mela is not just about taking photographs… it’s about experiencing one of the most extraordinary cultural and spiritual events on the planet.
What bathrooms will we see at the Kumbh Mela?
One of the highlights of our expedition will be attending the first Shahi Snan (Royal Bath) , considered one of the most important and spectacular events of the Nashik Kumbh Mela .
Before dawn, the streets begin to fill with thousands of pilgrims and ascetics as the various Akhadas advance in an impressive procession toward the sacred waters of the Godavari River . Leading the parade are the legendary Naga Sadhus , covered in ash and carrying tridents, spears, and swords , shouting “Har Har Mahadev,” creating an atmosphere charged with spirituality and emotion.
Witnessing this first sacred bath means experiencing one of Hinduism’s most important rituals firsthand and an exceptional opportunity to photograph a unique celebration where faith, tradition, and devotion are expressed with an intensity rarely found anywhere else in the world. 📸🇮🇳
We’ll begin our expedition with an international flight to Mumbai, the gateway to India. Overnight on board as we approach one of the most fascinating and spiritual countries on the planet.
Night on board
Accommodation at Hotel A.D
We’ll begin our expedition with an international flight to Mumbai, the gateway to India. Overnight on board as we approach one of the most fascinating and spiritual countries on the planet.
Accommodation at Hotel A.D
During the morning we will visit the various Akhadas (camps) , where the legendary Naga Sadhus live, one of the most fascinating ascetic orders in Hinduism. We will have the opportunity to learn about their way of life and spirituality, and prepare our photographs before the main event of the festival.
In the afternoon we will return to the camp to rest for a few hours, as the most important night of the trip awaits us.
Deluxe Full Board Camp Accommodation
In the early hours of the morning, we will experience one of the culminating moments of the Kumbh Mela : the Ashada Somvati Amavasya – Pratham Amrit Snan (First Royal Bathing) . Before dawn, the various Akhadas will begin a spectacular procession to the sacred waters of the Godavari River , led by the Naga Sadhus , who will advance amidst chants, tridents, spears, and an atmosphere charged with spirituality.
Without a doubt, one of the most intense, exciting, and photogenic moments of the entire festival, and an experience we’ll hardly forget. 📸🇮🇳
Deluxe Full Board Camp Accommodation
After everything you’ve experienced during the First Shahi Snan , an experience you’ll hardly forget in your entire life, we’ll dedicate this day to calmly exploring the Naga Sadhu camps.
After the great sacred bath, the activity continues in the different Akhadas , where we can photograph up close the daily life of the ascetics, their rituals, ceremonies, encounters with pilgrims and moments of deep spirituality.
It will be an ideal day to take portraits, talk with the sadhus and discover a much calmer and more intimate atmosphere, allowing us to better understand one of the most fascinating traditions of Hinduism.
A day to enjoy documentary photography and experience a truly unique event firsthand. 📸🇮🇳
Deluxe Full Board Camp Accommodation
After breakfast we will transfer to Mumbai airport to catch our flight back to our home city.
However, if you want to make the most of your trip to India, PhotoTravel offers an extraordinary optional extension to discover some of the country’s most iconic and fascinating places.
You can continue your adventure by visiting must-see cities like Agra , where the majestic Taj Mahal awaits; the spiritual Varanasi , considered the holy city of Hinduism; the impressive Amritsar , with its spectacular Golden Temple ; or explore other destinations that will complete an unforgettable experience.
A magnificent opportunity to extend your trip and discover the enormous cultural, historical and spiritual wealth that makes India one of the most exciting destinations in the world.
Night on board
Single room supplement Mumbai €300
Kumbh Mela single room supplement €600
How to book and guarantee my place?
At the Kumbh Mela good accommodations sell out very quickly and a year and a half before you can book it. To guarantee the place we must write to info@phototravel.es and we will send you all the documentation we need and a reservation payment of € 500.
There is still a long time to go, if I can’t go I lose my reservation?
No, at PhotoTravel we have Cancellation Insurance available to our customers.
The deadline to reserve your place expires on July 1, 2027. It is recommended to do so as soon as possible due to the rise in airfare prices.
Includes
Not included
What is our Camp at Kumbh Mela Allahabad like?
Camp in Nashik, these are prefabricated house structures
PREMIUM DELUXE.
We will be staying at a camp within the Kumb Mela grounds, where we will hire native guides to move around the grounds and attend events; private security within the camp will watch over our belongings.
Our camp is set up with prefabricated modules, each with three single beds and a bathroom . We also offer double and single rooms for an additional fee. Full board is included for the duration of your stay.
A simple campsite, which will allow us to move around easily in the artificial city that is set up in Prayagraj for those days.
You have to keep in mind that…
We remind you that this is a Photo Trip and not a Photography Course.
Our goal is to find the best locations, where Gonzalo Sáenz de Santa María Poullet, an expert in Indian culture and a professional photographer specializing in travel photography , will always be at your disposal for both technical support and advice, and will accompany you throughout the entire journey.
Contact the PhotoTravel team by filling out the booking from the website or by email to info@phototravel.es, you can also do it by phone at +34 616 22 42 82.
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