Millions of Hindu devotees, including mystics and holy figures, have converged on Prayagraj, India, to celebrate the Maha Kumbh Mela, recognised as the world’s largest religious gathering.

Over the next six weeks, participants will gather at the confluence of three sacred rivers—the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati—to engage in elaborate rituals aimed at achieving liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

The festival, which dates back to medieval times, is centred around ritual baths, with many pilgrims believing that bathing in “these waters purifies their sins and facilitates their spiritual journey.”

The event draws immense crowds, with officials expecting “around 400 million attendants” over the duration of the festival.

A sprawling tent city has been established along the riverbanks, featuring over 3,000 kitchens, 150,000 restrooms, and extensive infrastructure to support the influx of visitors. Indian Railways has arranged more than 90 special trains to facilitate transportation for the pilgrims.

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Security measures are robust, with 50,000 personnel deployed to ensure safety and manage the crowds.

The festival is not only a religious event but also a significant political opportunity for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, which aims to bolster its support among the Hindu majority in India.