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World’s biggest religious festival begins in India

Alex
January 13, 2025
News

The Mahakumbh Mela is held in the north of the city of Prayagraj

Ankit Srinivas Devotees perform fire rituals as they enter the festival — The Mahakumbh Mela is held in the north of the city of Prayagraj

Millions of people have gathered in the northern Indian city of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh to participate in the event. Mahakumbh Melathe world’s largest gathering of people.

Devout Hindus from all over the world come here (and continue to do so) during the six-week period to bathe in the holy waters of the Sangam – India’s holiest river Ganges and the legendary Yamuna and Saraswati.

Hindus believe that immersion in holy water cleanses people from sins.

The authorities have set up a huge tent city spread over 4,000 hectares of open riverside land to welcome the visitors, who arrive at the site in huge colorful chairs, singing and dancing along the way.

Photographer Ankit Srinivas brings you the highlights from the festival:

About 400 million pilgrims are expected to attend the 45-day event

Ash-painted white men dance and join in the celebration — About 400 million pilgrims are expected to attend the 45-day event

Pilgrims from all over the country come to Prayagraj for this event

Ankit Srinivas Two pilgrims are walking to the festival — Pilgrims from all over the country come to Prayagraj for this event

A group of ash-covered pilgrims perform rituals at the Kumbh

Ankit Srinivas A group of ash-coated Hindu holy men performing rituals at the Mahakumbh — A group of ash-covered pilgrims perform rituals at the Kumbh

Devotees will bathe in the Sangam – the confluence of India’s holiest river Ganges with the Yamuna and the legendary Saraswati.

Ankit Srinivas A group of saffron-clad men walk through the grounds of the festival — Devotees will bathe in the Sangam – the confluence of India’s holiest river Ganges with the Yamuna and the legendary Saraswati.

Volunteers brave the cold to participate in the festival

Devotees and Maha Kumbh — Volunteers brave the cold to participate in the festival

Kumbh is the largest religious gathering in the world

Ankit Srinivas Thousands of pilgrims gathered on the banks of the river — Kumbh is the largest religious gathering in the world

A large tent city, covering 4,000 hectares, has been established along the river.

Ankit Srinivas Aerial view of the night of the grand festival — A large tent city, covering 4,000 hectares, has been established along the river.

The construction of the tent city started in September last year

Ankit Srinivas Aerial view of the river bank — The construction of the tent city started in September last year

The festival ends on 26 February

Ankit Srinivas A white man looking into the camera — The festival ends on 26 February

Many holy Hindu men will be in this festival for 45 days

Ankit Srinivas A white man arrives in his old decorated red car — Many holy Hindu men will be in this festival for 45 days

The main attraction of the Kumbh is the naked Naga sadhus, or ascetics who throw themselves into the icy waters of the river.

Ankit Srinivas Many white men are marching in the parade during the festival — The main attraction of the Kumbh is the naked Naga sadhus, or ascetics who throw themselves into the icy waters of the river.

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