A group of seven men from Bihar’s Buxar completed a 550-kilometer journey to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh Mela using a boat as their mode of transportation. Covering the distance in two days, their journey has been discussed widely on social media as a video of their boat ride went viral.
The group set out for their pilgrimage after witnessing the overwhelming traffic on roads and overcrowding on trains from February 8-9. With all traditional travel routes jammed, they devised an innovative plan - using a motor-powered boat to navigate the Ganga and reach Maha Kumbh. Two motors were attached to their boat as a backup in case of failure.
Led by Sukhdev Chaudhary, the group set out on their journey and carried essential supplies such as ration, water, and fuel. Despite the motors, they had to row the boat manually for stretches of 5-6 kilometers due to overheating at times. Their nights were spent in shifts, ensuring continuous movement towards Prayagraj.
The group left Buxar on February 11, and had managed to take a sacred dip at the Sangam in Prayagraj on the early hours of February 13.
The entire trip cost approximately Rs 20,000, covering petrol, food, and necessary provisions.
