Millions of people gather in the northern Indian city of Prayagraj in the state of Uttar Pradesh to take part in Mahakumbh Melathe world’s largest gathering of mankind.
Devout Hindus from all over the world have come here (and will continue to do so) for six weeks to take a holy dip in the Sangam, the confluence of India’s holiest river, the Ganges, with the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati.
Hindus believe that a dip in the holy waters cleanses people of their 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 at the site in colorful, large processions, singing and dancing along the way.
Photojournalist Ankit Srinivas talks about some of the attractions of the festival:
