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World’s biggest religious festival begins in India


Ankit Srinivas Devotees perform fire rituals as they enter the festivalAnkit Srinivas

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:

Ash-painted white men dance and join in the celebration

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

Ankit Srinivas Two pilgrims are walking to the festivalAnkit Srinivas

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

Ankit Srinivas A group of ash-coated Hindu holy men performing rituals at the MahakumbhAnkit Srinivas

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

Ankit Srinivas A group of saffron-clad men walk through the grounds of the festivalAnkit Srinivas

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

Devotees and Maha Kumbh

Volunteers brave the cold to participate in the festival

Ankit Srinivas Thousands of pilgrims gathered on the banks of the riverAnkit Srinivas

Kumbh is the largest religious gathering in the world

Ankit Srinivas Aerial view of the night of the grand festivalAnkit Srinivas

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

Ankit Srinivas Aerial view of the river bank Ankit Srinivas

The construction of the tent city started in September last year

Ankit Srinivas A white man looking into the cameraAnkit Srinivas

The festival ends on 26 February

Ankit Srinivas A white man arrives in his old decorated red carAnkit Srinivas

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

Ankit Srinivas Many white men are marching in the parade during the festivalAnkit Srinivas

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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