India, March 19 -- By Ashvini Ranjan

A day after my article titled 'Kumbh Mela: Beyond the Holy Dip' appeared in SOM dated February 27, 2025, I received a surprising phone call. A friend, with a hint of concern, asked if I had managed to find my wife at Prayagraj (UP). I chuckled, thinking it was a joke. But when another caller posed a similar question, I realised my story-telling had led to unintended suspense.

During our visit to Kumbh Mela, my wife and I had to travel pillion a part of the distance, on two separate motorbikes to navigate the chaotic streets leading to our tent city - the place of our lodging. In the swirling sea of humanity, I lost sight of her.

However, my faith in her navigation skills using the Google maps - and ...