My Holy Walkathon-Solo

Atulya Ganga walkathon began on 16th December 2020 at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh in India. I walked 2500 kilometers with Atulya Ganga until 7th March 2021 when my leg got hurt. Rested for a few days as advised by an orthopedic surgeon from the local hospital and thereafter walked 3145 kilometers solo. 

On 10th May 2021, I had to pause my walk in Uttar Pradesh, due to strict covid restrictions. Resumed my walk again on 8th August 2021 and completed my holy walkathon with a total distance of 5645 kilometers in 218 days, on 29th October 2021 in Prayagraj, where it had begun. 

My epic journey on foot began from Prayagraj, UP and moved towards Gangasagar, West Bengal, where holy river Ganga merges in sea, then walked to Gaumukh, Uttarakhand, where holy Ganga originates in glacier, and ended at Prayagraj, UP.

I walked five states: Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. Landmarks of my walk: Prayagraj, Gangasagar, Gaumukh, Prayagraj.

Everything was great as long as I walked as a group in Atulya Ganga. Stays, food, route all were managed and organized by them. A wonderful experience. I did not have to worry about anything. Felt secure.

Walk was a celebration for me at the Atulya Ganga walkathon. Walk became a challenge for me as a solo walkathon.

My real test began when I started walking solo. On inner calling I had decided to pursue my rest of the journey on foot while knowing well how difficult it was going to be. I was going to walk on the routes which were neither tourist friendly nor had the facilities from a pilgrimage point of view. 

Yet believed that my spiritual faith will guide me in forthcoming arduous holy walkathon. I was with a hurt leg, using a stick, walking very slowly for a small distance and needed to remain motivated. Needed to be calm in the toughest of challenges. Needed to have huge cash in my bank account. Needed to take police help to ensure my safety. Needed to arrange my secure stays each day. Needed to manage my food on the way.

Went ahead with my solo walk as knew I can handle situations to a large extent having my years of solo travel experience worldwide. Yet I did fear many times. Hoped to have each day incident free and paid gratitude when the day remained pleasant. 

I did come across unpleasant situations but confronted bravely. Knew that bad elements may retaliate but always felt in my inner self that I was guarded by the divine force and no one can harm me.

My memoir: MYATULYAGANGAPARIKRAMA (designrr.page)

Sharing glimpses of my mountains and glacier treks during holy walkathon, in this video.