Amidst a massive traffic jam choking the highways to Prayagraj due to the influx of pilgrims for the Maha Kumbh Mela, seven young men from Kamhariya village in Bihar’s Buxar district took an unconventional route—sailing down the Ganga River. Instead of getting stuck in endless lines of vehicles, they navigated 275 kilometers of the sacred river in a motor-propelled boat, reaching their destination with ingenuity and determination.
An Unconventional Pilgrimage
The group, comprising professional boatmen—Manu Chaudhary, Sumant, Sandeep, Sukhdev, Aadu, Ravindra, and Ramesh—set off on their journey on February 11. Their vessel, a boat typically used by Manu for daily crossings at Kotwa Narayanpur in Ballia, became their means of defying gridlocked highways.
In an interesting modern twist, they relied on Google Maps for navigation—just like the commuters stuck on congested roads. The only difference? Instead of highways, Google showed them the meandering course of the Ganga, guiding them safely through the river’s twists and turns, even in the pitch darkness of night.
Prepared for the Long Haul
This wasn’t just a desperate attempt to bypass traffic; it was a well-planned expedition. The team ensured their boat was stocked with essentials—a gas cylinder, stove, food supplies, an extra engine, and a fuel reserve—allowing them to be self-sufficient throughout their 84-hour-long round trip.
Covering nearly 550 kilometers in total, they reached Prayagraj on February 13. Upon nearing the city, they anchored their boat near pontoon bridge number 30 and proceeded on foot to the Mela site.
More than a Journey, an Experience
Despite the physically demanding voyage, the group fulfilled their spiritual goal—taking the sacred snan (bath) in the holy waters before embarking on their return journey. Their entire trip was budget-friendly, costing around ₹20,000, primarily spent on petrol.
This unique voyage wasn’t just a pilgrimage but a testament to their ingenuity, resilience, and deep-rooted connection to the Ganga. While thousands were stranded in hours-long traffic jams, these seven men sailed seamlessly to their destination, blending tradition with modern technology in an extraordinary journey of faith.