World’s biggest religious festival begins in India

Millions of people gather in the northern Indian town of Prayagraj in the state of Uttar Pradesh to take part in the Mahakumbh Melathe largest gathering of humanity in the world.

Devout Hindus from all over the world have arrived here (and will continue to do so) for six weeks to bathe in Sangam – the confluence of India’s holiest Ganges with the Yamuna River and the mythical Saraswati.

Hindus believe that bathing in sacred waters cleanses people of their sins.

Authorities have set up a vast tent city spread across 4,000 hectares of open land along the banks of the rivers to welcome visitors, who arrive on the grounds in large, colorful processions, singing and dancing along the way.

Photojournalist Ankit Srinivas presents some images from the festival: