Kriyaban

My stay in Allahabad is intended to be a base camp for, on the last day, going to Varanasi, visiting Lahiri’s house, and spending just one day there before taking the train to Bodh Gaya. It will be my first train trip after having tried all possible modes of transportation here in India. As everyone says traveling by train in India is very special, I am excited about the upcoming experience.

I arrive in Allahabad after a two-hour taxi ride; I’m finally getting the hang of haggling. Today at the airport, I felt as if I had lived here all my life. Well, when I smelled my armpit smelling like curry, my credentials always precede me.

As I am approaching the ashram and while driving over a bridge across the Ganges, I look to the right and see a multitude of tents on the riverbank. The first thing that comes to mind is: “COULD IT BE THAT I’M HERE IN THE MIDDLE OF A KUMBA MELA CELEBRATION?”

Indeed, in true Enriquito style (as the master of confusion), my plans were unknowingly made to land in Allahabad in the middle of this year’s Mela celebration. My skin tingles just remembering it. I knew Allahabad was the place for Melas, but I never suspected that I might coincide with one of them since they are celebrated from time to time.

Institute of Kriya Yoga campaign in the Mela. Walking through the Mela before the chaos begins

The Kriya Yoga ashram in Allahabad is the most austere of all I have been to, but it has interesting things, such as its Guru having his own booth at the Mela, and I have been able to participate in classes about energy exercises. It also has in its garden the tree where, in a Kumba Mela, Babaji met Yukteswar; naturally, I meditated under it.

Of course, I ventured out to walk through the Mela. A three-hour walk was enough to get a good impression. However, one should know that there are three Melas: this is the small one that is held every January, then there is the six-year Mela, and finally the twelve-year Kumba Mela. Although it’s amazing how big the small one is (you can’t even dream of covering it all), my roommate says that the Kumba Mela is a whole different story, that’s when all the gurus from the Himalayas come down, and that’s when all hell breaks loose.

Tree where Babaji and Yukteswar met during the Kumba Mela

This time I am sharing a room with a local guy who has been a U.S. Marine and fought in the last Gulf wars. Now he raps, DJs, and has turned to Kriya Yoga. His appearance is no coincidence (obviously), he has helped me to understand the metaphysics behind energy exercises a little better; his help will always be remembered.

Tomorrow I leave for Varanasi, I will spend the day touring the ghats and visiting Lahiri’s house. In two days, I will be in Bodh Gaya, one of the destinations I am particularly excited about. It will also allow me to stay put for several days and return to the regular and intensive meditation practices, which have been somewhat affected by these two days of travel.

Kumbha Mela in Allahabad

Useful Information

Transport:

Flight from Delhi to Allahabad airport; cost: 50€. Taxi from the airport to the ashram: 800 rupees.

Kriya Yoga Ashram in Allahabad:

Contact and reservations: contact@Kriyayoga-YogiSatyam.org

Web: https://www.kriyayoga-yogisatyam.org/

Recommended donation: not fixed.

Places to visit:

It is interesting to visit Allahabad during the month of January, as the Mela takes place every January. The Kriya Yoga ashram is a location from which one can walk to the Mela area in just five minutes, so it is highly recommended.

Important:

If you haven't read the Considerations section yet, don't forget to do so. In this section, you will find very valuable information that can save you many headaches. In particular, there are details related to credit cards and mobile phone use that are essential.