Shefali Shah recently embarked on an unforgettable journey to the

Maha Kumbh Mela

in

Prayagraj

. After her solo trip to Rishikesh earlier this year, this time she not only had her husband Vipul, but both her sons, as well as friends accompanying her. The actress was part of a big group comprising not only her family, but also quite a few friends including JD Majethia, Deven Bhojani, Paresh Ganatra, Vaishali Thakkar, among others. In an exclusive interview with us, Shefali shared the magic of the experience at the Maha Kumbh, the highlights of her trip, and what this spiritual gathering meant to her personally.
“I would describe my journey to Kumbh as ‘infinite’—that’s the closest word that comes to mind when I try to describe my experience,” said the

Delhi Crime

actress, adding, “It’s an event that can’t truly be captured in words. The scale, the vibrancy, the energy—it’s all in abundance. There is so much happening at once, so much to take in, and yet it feels so harmonious. It’s an experience that overwhelms you in the most beautiful way. It’s one of those things you have to experience to fully understand.”

Calling it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Shefali said that the Maha Kumbh Mela happens only once every 144 years makes it a rare and extraordinary event and that is what inspired her to come to participate in it. “How could I not want to witness something so monumental? That alone was enough motivation to go—an opportunity like this is not something you can pass up,” she said.

Terming her journey to the Maha Kumbh one of the most exciting ones, Shefali said, “There were so many unforgettable moments, but one of the most exciting experiences was the journey itself. As we got closer to the Mela, we were stopped by police barricades. It was late at night, and the area was a no-vehicle zone. We were stuck on the streets with no clear idea of how to get to our destination. But jugaad — a quintessential part of the Indian spirit— came to the rescue. We found bikers offering rides across the barricades, and so, with bags and all, we hopped onto bikes, each of us with a complete stranger as the rider. The journey was exhilarating — riding through the night on these makeshift rides was definitely one of the most adventurous things I’ve done recently.”
“As we neared the Kumbh, it felt like a mystical world was unfolding in front of us. The lights, the tents stretching as far as the eye could see — it was nothing like what I had imagined. The pictures online don’t do it justice. I had goosebumps and a catch in my throat as I took it all in. It was overwhelming in the best way,” she added.
Although like many others, Shefali and her group of friends and family too got stuck in a jam. “After a nine-hour journey (which was supposed to take just 2.5 hours), we finally reached our hotel around 1:30 AM. Despite the exhaustion, the excitement was palpable. We were eager to head to the Triveni Sangam at 3:30 AM for the Shahi Snan during the Brahma Muhurat. The moment I stepped into the cold waters, surrounded by thousands of devotees, floating diyas, boats, and the chants echoing around the confluence of the rivers, it felt surreal. It was a moment of peace and connection. I also attended the Ganga Aarti and visited a few temples—each experience added to the spiritual aura of the trip,” said Shefali.
And like most tourists, Shefali and her troupe also visited a few temples. “We went to the Bade Hanuman Mandir, Alopi Devi Mandir (a major Shakti Peeth), and the Nagvasuki Temple. We also spent time walking around the ghats, where the energy was infectious. It was bustling with life, and you could feel the intensity of the moment in the air,” she said, adding, “As for the local cuisine, we couldn’t resist trying doodh-jalebi—a delicious, warm sweet treat. It was the perfect indulgence after a long day of exploring.”
In the end, the actress said that for her the Kumbh Mela represented something far greater than just a grand religious gathering. “Yes, it happens only once every 144 years, but its significance is much deeper. It’s the largest gathering of people from all over the world, all coming together to celebrate hope, faith, and our shared culture. The Mela is a beautiful mix of rituals, colours, sounds, and emotions that bind us together as human beings. Personally, it will always remain one of the most exciting, adventurous, and fulfilling trips I’ve had — especially because I experienced it with my family and kids. It’s a memory I’ll cherish forever.”
- Ankita Bharti