The world’s largest religious festival begins in India

Spread the love

The Mahakumbh Mela is held in the northern city of Prayagraj

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

Millions of people gather in the northern Indian city of Prayagraj in the state of Uttar Pradesh to take part in Mahakumbh Melathe greatest gathering of humanity in the world.

Devout Hindus from all parts of the world arrived here (and will continue to do so) for six weeks to immerse themselves in the Sangam – the confluence of India’s holiest river, the Ganges, with the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati.

Hindus believe that immersion in the holy waters cleanses people of sins.

Authorities have created a sprawling tent city spread over 4,000 hectares of open land along the banks of rivers to accommodate visitors who arrive at the grounds in colorful grand processions, singing and dancing along the way.

Photojournalist Ankit Srinivas brings you some highlights from the festival:

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

Ash-smeared holy men dance and enter the festival — About 400 million pilgrims are expected to attend the 45-day spectacle

Devotees from all parts of the country have reached Prayagrai for the event

Ankit Srinivas Two pilgrims walking towards the festival — Devotees from all parts of the country have reached Prayagrai for the event

A group of ash-smeared devotees perform rituals at the Kumbh

Ankit Srinivas A group of ash-smeared Hindu priests performing rituals at the Mahakumbh — A group of ash-smeared devotees perform rituals at the Kumbh

The devout will bathe in the Sangam, the confluence of India’s holiest river, the Ganges, with the Yamuna River and the mythical Saraswati

Ankit Srinivas A group of men in saffron clothes walking around the festival grounds — The devout will bathe in the Sangam, the confluence of India’s holiest river, the Ganges, with the Yamuna River and the mythical Saraswati

Devotees brave the freezing temperatures to participate in the festival

Devotees and Maha Kumbha — Devotees brave the freezing temperatures to participate in the festival

The Kumbh is the largest religious gathering in the world

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

A huge tent city was built on the banks of the river, spread over 4,000 hectares

Ankit Srinivas Night aerial view of the sprawling festival — A huge tent city was built on the banks of the river, spread over 4,000 hectares

Construction of the tent city began last September

Ankit Srinivas Aerial view of the river banks — Construction of the tent city began last September

Ankit Srinivas A holy man staring into the camera — The festival ends on February 26

Many Hindu saints will stay at the festival for 45 days

Ankit Srinivas Another holy man arriving in his decorated vintage red car — Many Hindu saints will stay at the festival for 45 days

A major attraction at the Kumbh are the naked Naga sadhus or ascetics who throw themselves into the icy waters of the river

Ankit Srinivas Dozens of saints walking in a parade at the festival — A major attraction at the Kumbh are the naked Naga sadhus or ascetics who throw themselves into the icy waters of the river

Kumbh Mela

Asia

India

Leave a ReplyCancel Reply

Trending now