On the way to the Kumba Mela

It's 5:41 in India and I'm sitting on a train from Varanasi to Prayag to go to the Kumba Mela. The Kumba Mela is a sacred festival that takes place every 12 years. Over 400 million people are expected to attend over the 44 days that it takes place. I will be one of them.

Varanasi to Prayag

I'm excited about this day trip. Gurudevi tells us excitement is a combination of happiness and fear. That is a perfect description of how I am feeling. I can't decide if I'm crazy for doing this. It's not like I'm going with a tour group of westerners. I'm traveling with an Indian friend. It's not like heading off for a day trip in the US. I'm not sure where I will eat, and if the food will be OK for my western belly. I'm not sure what kind of bathroom facilities I'll be using. At this point, I'm trying to strike a fine balance between staying hydrated and not drinking so much that I have to pee. Our return train isn't until 9pm, which is a long time at the Kumba Mela. There's so much I don't know about today.

What I do know is that this is an incredible opportunity. I know it will be a powerful spiritual experience. I'm grateful to be sharing this with my Indian friend. Given the choice, I think I would choose this slightly scary road trip adventure over a guided tour every time. We'll see what I have to say about this at the end of the day. I'm going to lean in to the adventure and ride the river of Grace. Jai Ma!