Accessibility Guidance

The Mela can be demanding for anyone: large crowds, long walks, steps down to the water, heat and humidity, and early starts. If you are elderly, have a disability, are pregnant or are travelling with an infant, a little extra planning makes a real difference. This page brings together practical advice. Details of the arrangements for visitors who need extra help will be published by NTKMA as they are confirmed.

Plan with a companion, and choose your day

Travel with a companion. Plan the trip with someone who can stay with you throughout, help you in crowds and ask for help on your behalf if needed. On busy days, do not go to the ghats alone.

Choose less crowded days and hours. The Amrut Snan days bring the largest crowds. If you can, come on a quieter day; see Parva Snan and Secondary Bathing Days. On any day, avoid the busiest hours and the hottest part of the day, and allow time to rest; see Recommended Crowd-managed Time Windows.

Talk to your doctor first if you have a health condition, are pregnant, or are unsure whether the journey is right for you.

What to carry

• Medicines and medical papers. Enough of your regular medicines for the whole trip and a little extra, with your prescriptions and a short note from your doctor about your condition.
• An identity card and an emergency contact. Everyone, especially elderly members and children, should carry an identity card and a card with their name, a family member's mobile number and the place where they are staying.
• The aids you rely on, such as a walking stick, wheelchair or hearing aid, with spare batteries if needed.
• Water, a light snack and protection from the sun and rain.
• For infants: enough feeds, nappies and a change of clothes, and a sling or carrier, which is easier than a pram in crowds.

Help on the ground

NTKMA will announce the arrangements for visitors who need extra help, such as wheelchairs, accessible toilets and help desks, as they are confirmed, and their locations will be shown on the facilities map.

At the Mela, police, volunteers and help desks are there to help. Do not hesitate to ask them for directions, a place to rest or help in a crowd. At the ghats, the steps can be wet and slippery: hold on to your companion, bathe only within the marked area and follow the instructions given.

In an emergency, call 112, or 108 for an ambulance.

Using this website

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