In photos: World's biggest religious festival begins in India
The Mahakumbh Mela is taking place in the northern city of Prayagraj
- Published
Millions of people are gathering in the northern Indian city of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh state to participate in the Mahakumbh Mela, the world's largest gathering of humanity.
Devout Hindus from all parts of the world have arrived here (and will continue to do so) over the course of six weeks to take a holy dip at Sangam - the confluence of India's most sacred Ganges river with the Yamuna river and the mythical Saraswati.
Hindus believe taking a dip in the sacred waters cleanses people of sins.
Authorities have set up a sprawling tent city spread across 4,000 hectares of open land along the banks of the rivers to accommodate the visitors, who are arriving at the grounds in colourful large processions, singing and dancing along the way.
Photojournalist Ankit Srinivas brings you some sights from the festival:
About 400 million pilgrims are expected to attend the 45-day spectacle
Pilgrims from all parts of the country have reached Prayagraj for the event
A group of ash-smeared pilgrims perform rituals at the Kumbh
The devout will bathe at Sangam - the confluence of India's most sacred Ganges river with the Yamuna river and the mythical Saraswati
Devotees brave icy temperatures to participate in the festival
The Kumbh is the biggest religious gathering in the world
A a vast tent city, spread over 4,000 hectares, has been set up on the banks of the river
Construction on the tent city started in September last year
The festival concludes on 26 February
Many Hindu holy men will stay at the festival for 45 days
A major attraction at the Kumbh are the naked Naga sadhus, or ascetics who hurl themselves into the icy waters of the river