The largest religious gathering in the world begins on Jan. 14 in Allahabad, India. The Great Kumbh Mela occurs every 12 years and up to 100 million pilgrims are expected to bathe in the holy waters of the river Ganges during the 55-day event.
A devotee prays while others take a dip at Sangham, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, at day break.
Image by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / Getty Images
Newly arrived Hindu devotees pause to look at the vast grounds which will receive the millions of Hindus that will congregate here.
Image by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / Getty Images
A Sadhu, or holy man, walks with his earthly posessions on the vast grounds which will receive the millions of Hindu devotees that will congregate during Jan. and Feb.
Image by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / Getty Images
Hindu devotees cross a makeshift bridge over the river Ganges as they arrive at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati.
Image by Manish Swarup / AP
