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The world’s biggest religious festival begins in India


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

The Mahakumbh Mela is being held in the northern city of Prayagraj

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

Devout Hindus from all over the world have come here (and will continue to do so) for six weeks to take a holy dip in the Sangam – the confluence of India’s most sacred river, the Ganges, with the Yamuna and the legendary Saraswati.

Hindus believe that immersion in sacred waters cleanses people of their sins.

Authorities have set up a sprawling tent city spread over 4,000 hectares of land on the banks of rivers to host visitors who arrive in large colorful processions, singing and dancing on their way to the sites.

Photojournalist Ankit Srinivas brings you some insights from the festival:

Ash-smeared holy men dancing and entering the feast

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

Ankit Srinivas Two pilgrims walking to the festivalAnkit Srinivas

Pilgrims from all countries have come to Prayagraj for the event

A group of ash-stained Hindu saints performing rituals at the Ankit Srinivas MahakumbhAnkit Srinivas

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

Ankit Srinivas A group of men dressed in saffron clothes strolling through the festival groundsAnkit Srinivas

Devotees will bathe in the Sangam – India’s holiest river Ganges joins the Yamuna River and the legendary Saraswati.

Devotees and Maha Kumbh

Devotees brave freezing temperatures to participate in the festival

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

The Kumbh is the largest religious gathering place in the world

Ankit Srinivas Night aerial view of the sprawling festivalAnkit Srinivas

A vast tent city spread over 4,000 hectares has been established on the banks of the river.

Ankit Srinivas Aerial view of the river banks Ankit Srinivas

The construction of the tent city started in September last year

Ankit Srinivas The holy man looking at the cameraAnkit Srinivas

The festival will end on February 26

Ankit Srinivas Another holy man arriving in his decorated red carAnkit Srinivas

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

Ankit Srinivas Dozens of holy men walk in a festival processionAnkit Srinivas

One of the main attractions of the Kumbh is the naked Naga sadhus or ascetics who throw themselves into the icy waters of the river.

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