‘Grateful for this unforgettable opportunity in incredible India’: Simon Leis shares his Kumbh Mela experience

Simon Leis went to India from Australia as only selected delegate to attend Kumbh Mela among 188 world delegates. He was selected and sent to India by the High Commission of India in Canberra.

Something incredible happened for me a few months back.

Thanks to my friend and former colleague, Mr Palani Thevar, I was nominated and then chosen to represent Australia at a Global event celebrating the Kumbh Mela in India.

Background: “The Kumbh Mela (the festival of the sacred pitcher) is anchored in Hindu mythology. It is the largest public gathering and collective act of faith, anywhere in the world. The Mela draws tens of millions of pilgrims over the course of approximately 48 days to bathe at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the mystical Sarasvati. Primarily, this congregation includes Ascetics, Saints, Sadhus, Sadhvis, Kalpvasis, and Pilgrims from all walks of life.”

I realised this was certainly going to be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Every nation was invited to send a representative, in total there were 188 delegates. As you could imagine this was the most incredibly diverse group as you would expect, when all nations are invited. The delegates included senior politicians, social reformers, Yoga practitioners, academics, senior government representatives, medical professionals and artists (including musicians and one film star). I am pleased to advise there was also some other delegates like me, a little more everyday, but attending with an open mind and a motivation to learn more of Indian culture.

If I am honest, I have to say that my interest in India probably started with a love of Indian food. Following my graduation from University in 2000 and commencing work as a Social Worker in Brisbane I started to make connections and friendships with colleagues from an Indian cultural background. In more recent years, my children have also developed close friendships at school with children who have Indian families. I have really enjoyed meeting these families, developing friendships with them, learning more about their country of birth and their culture.

Prior to attending the Kumbh Mela event I had not traveled to India. I was aware from colleagues there is a range of experiences to be had. During my trip, I can certainly confirm that I felt the full range of emotions. At times during the trip I felt joy; there was much fun, laughter, excitement and connection. At other times I felt sadness in seeing how difficult life must be for so many people. With both these experiences and feelings in mind, I would certainly recommend to everyone, that a visit to India is a ‘must do’.

Anyway, here is a brief rundown of my adventure:

Thursday 21st February 2019 – This was my 15th wedding anniversary – Rachel kindly drove me to the airport at 3am to ‘celebrate’. I flew to Melbourne first where I met some other delegates from Samoa, New Zealand and Niue. Meeting these awesome people really made me feel much less nervous and I knew then the trip was going to be special.

Friday 22nd of February 2019 – With a 7am start, we met within our allocated groups and prepared to attend the Kumbh Mela. We caught a chartered flight from Air India and landed at Bamrauli Airforce base near Prayagraj. When we walked off the plane to the tarmac there was the most amazing celebration, it was so much fun.

From the airport we traveled in a convoy of buses for approximately 40 minutes, this was an amazing trip, and bizarre. People were lining the streets, this included school children with flags to welcome us to the event. When we exited the bus, we were met by a media scrum – for me this was such an unusual experience. We then caught two large boats to the Kumbh Mela area. On arrival we had a brass band playing, we then took a short walk to the Allahabad Fort which looked amazing. At the fort we visited a sacred fig tree where many delegates embraced the tree.

We then had another short mini bus trip to the area where delegates could get changed and take the “holy dip” where the three rivers meet. When I entered the water, I was surprised how chilly it was. Although it was still winter, the weather had been beautiful. The “holy dip” was certainly refreshing and although I only went in waist deep, I am very glad that I did. It was lovely to observe some of the delegates and of course the pilgrims truly embracing the dip; you could see the meaning and special place this had for them. We then had a beautiful lunch followed by a cultural performance with dancers from four different areas of India. We then headed back for our flight to Delhi. It was a massive but unforgettable day.

Saturday 23rd February 2019 – I had another early 7am start with a bus trip to another very special occasion. This time we were heading to Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra (PBK) for a photo opportunity with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. This was followed by a lunch hosted by the Minister for External Affairs and this concluded the formalities of the incredible tour.

With my new found friends from Georgia, Armenia and Gayana, we headed into Delhi to explore markets, temples, monkeys and much, much more. This was a hilarious and unforgettable afternoon and evening. We capped off with a late-night reflection on the experience back at the Hotel. It was at this point I got to know another standout delegate from Iceland who had excellent knowledge of Australia, not to mention an appreciation of single malts.

Sunday 24th February 2019 – I returned to the heart of Delhi for more market fun and cultural exploration with some other new friends from Bolivia and Albania. Travelling through Old Delhi in a Tuk Tuk was a real highlight; so busy and so much to see and absorb.

Monday 25th February 2019 – I boarded my flight home to Australia. My trip was brief but amazing. In total I stayed in Delhi for four nights.

As guests of the Indian Government and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations we were extremely well looked after and provided for. We stayed in a fantastic hotel, had incredible food and were well looked after by our group leader, Amit; a terrific person and guide. It was an honour to attend.

I feel that I have significantly enhanced my connection with and understanding of Indian culture and Indian people. I plan to have a more global view in my life and be more aware of the world around me. Making new friendships and having such a unique experience has inspired me to learn more, read more and wherever possible travel more.

A huge thank you to the great people at the Indian High Commission in Canberra who organised and facilitated my attendance. I am so grateful for this unforgettable opportunity in incredible India.