World's biggest religious festival begins in India

The Mahakumbh Mela is taking place in the northern city of Prayagraj

Ankit Srinivas Devotees performing fire rituals while entering the festival — The Mahakumbh Mela is taking place in the northern city of Prayagraj

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

Ash-smeared holy men dancing and entering 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

Ankit Srinivas Two pilgrims walking to the festival — Pilgrims from all parts of the country have reached Prayagraj for the event

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

Ankit Srinivas A group of ash-smeared Hindu holy men performing rituals at the Mahakumbh — 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

Ankit Srinivas A group of men in saffron clothing walking in the festival grounds — 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

Devotees at Maha Kumbh — Devotees brave icy temperatures to participate in the festival

The Kumbh is the biggest religious gathering in the world

Ankit Srinivas Thousands of pilgrims gathered at the banks of the river — 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

Ankit Srinivas An aerial night view of the sprawling festival — 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

Ankit Srinivas An aerial view of the banks of the river — Construction on the tent city started in September last year

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

Many Hindu holy men will stay at the festival for 45 days

Ankit Srinivas Another holy man arriving in his decorated vintage red car — 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

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

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World’s biggest religious festival begins in India

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