The world’s largest religious festival begins in India

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Devotees of Ankit Srinivasa perform fire rituals while entering the festivalAnkit Srinivas

The Mahakumbh Mela takes place in the northern city of Prayagraj

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 humanity.

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:

Ash-smeared holy people dance and enter the feast

About 400 million pilgrims are expected to attend the 45-day spectacle

Ankit Srinivas Two pilgrims go to a festivalAnkit Srinivas

Pilgrims from all over the country came to the event in Prayagra

Ankit Srinivas A group of ash-stained Hindu holy men performing rituals at MahakumbaAnkit Srinivas

A group of ash-stained pilgrims perform rituals at the Kumbha

Ankit Srinivas A group of saffron-clad men walk around the festival groundsAnkit Srinivas

The devout will bathe in the Sangam, the confluence of India’s holiest river, the Ganges, with the Yamuna River and the mythical Saraswati

Devotees and Maha Kumbha

Devotees brave the freezing temperatures to participate in the festival

Ankit Srinivas Thousands of pilgrims gathered on the banks of the riverAnkit Srinivas

The Kumbh is the largest religious gathering in the world

Ankit Srinivas. Night aerial view of the sprawling festivalAnkit Srinivas

On the bank of the river

Ankit Srinivas. View from the height of the river Ankit Srinivas

Construction of the tent city began last September

Ankit Srinivas A holy man looking into the cameraAnkit Srinivas

The festival will end on February 26

Ankit Srinivas Another holy man arriving in his decorated vintage red carAnkit Srinivas

Many Hindu saints will stay for the festival for 45 days

Ankit Srinivas Dozens of saints march in a festival paradeAnkit Srinivas

The main attraction of the Kumbha is the naked Naga Sadhus, or ascetics, who plunge into the icy waters of the river

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