The Mahakumbh Mela is held in the northern city of Prayagraj
Millions of people gather in the northern Indian city of Prayagraj in the state of Uttar Pradesh to participate in the Mahakumbh Melathe world’s largest gathering of humanity.
Devout Hindus from all over the world have come here (and will continue to do so) for six weeks to bathe in the Sangam – the confluence of India’s holiest river, the Ganges, with the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati.
Hindus believe that bathing in holy waters cleanses people of sins.
Authorities have set up a sprawling tent city spread over 4,000 hectares of open land along the banks of rivers to accommodate visitors who arrive on the grounds in colorful grand processions, singing and dancing along the way.
Photojournalist Ankit Srinivas brings some of the sights from the festival:
Around 400 million pilgrims are expected to attend the spectacle, which will last 45 days
Ankit Srinivas
Pilgrims from all parts of the country arrived at Prayagraj for the event
Ankit Srinivas
A group of ash-stained pilgrims perform rituals at the Kumbha
Ankit Srinivas
The devout will bathe in the Sangama – the confluence of India’s holiest river Ganges with the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati
Devotees brave freezing temperatures to participate in the festival
Ankit Srinivas
Kumbh is the largest religious gathering in the world
Ankit Srinivas
A huge tent city, covering 4,000 hectares, was set up on the banks of the river
Ankit Srinivas
The construction of the tent city began in September last year
Ankit Srinivas
The festival ends on February 26
Ankit Srinivas
Many Hindu saints will stay at the festival for 45 days
Ankit Srinivas
The main attraction at the Kumbh are the naked Naga sadhus, or ascetics, who throw themselves into the icy waters of the river
