Kumbh Mela: Your photos
- Published
India's Kumbh Mela festival continues with 30 million bathers expected before Sunday ends. Here, pilgrims at night in Allahabad sit surrounded by holy men or sadhus. Photo: Santnu Das
The festival, which is held every 12 years, began on 14 January, when eight million people bathed in the holy waters. Photo: Ranjeet Chakraborty
A gathering of Sadhus and their devotees at Allahabad. Photo: Atul Nishad
The Kumbh Mela has its origins in Hindu mythology. Photo: Roshan Raj
Many believe that when gods and demons fought over a pitcher of nectar, a few drops fell in the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Haridwar - the four places where the Kumbh festival has been held for centuries. Photo: Atul Nishad
Anurag Juyal, who attended part of the Kumbh Mela, said: "The place is rejoicing with positivity and energy. A benign calmness touches all your five senses. You feel the energy and experience solace in this maddening world of technology and speed."
A Sadhu fully clad in Rudraksha beads. Photo:Piyush Goswami
Allahabad resident Kovid Kapoor said people had tied themselves together to avoid getting lost. Officials said that a "lost-and-found" centre had reunited 40,000 people since the opening of the festival.
Kovid Kapoor said: "I am here to visit my family along with the Kumbh Mela. I have seen all the Kumbhs since 1990, so I was never going to miss this one."
The Kumbh Mela, which is costing the authorities 11.5bn rupees ($210m; £130m) to organise, is expected to generate business worth at least 120bn rupees, according to a report by India's Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Assocham). Photo: Ranjeet Chakraborty
Naga Sadhus on horses leading the procession to the Ganges for the holy dip. Photo: Piyush Goswami
A select few Sadhus raise their arms as a sign of peace, some keeping them held aloft for decades. Photo: Ranjeet Chakraborty. You can send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk. For terms and conditions see: bbc.co.uk/terms.
Photo: Piyush Goswami