In brief
Millions gather in Prayagraj for the Mahakumbh Mela, believed to cleanse sins in sacred waters. The festival features colorful processions, rituals, and a massive tent city accommodating pilgrims.
In the northern Indian city of Prayagraj, the Mahakumbh Mela has begun, marking the world's largest religious gathering. Over the span of six weeks, millions of devout Hindus flock to the banks of the sacred Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers to take a holy dip at Sangam, believed to wash away sins. Authorities anticipate about 400 million pilgrims will join the 45-day event, which includes vibrant processions filled with singing and dancing.A sprawling tent city covering 4,000 hectares has been established to accommodate the influx of visitors, showcasing the festival's grandeur. Construction began in September of the previous year to prepare for this monumental occasion. Many holy men, including the famous naked Naga sadhus known for their fearless dips into frigid waters, will be present throughout the festival, which wraps up on February 26. As the celebrations have commenced, stunning photos by journalist Ankit Srinivas capture the spirituality and energy of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, drawing visitors from across the globe to this much-anticipated event.
