Kumbh Mela is the greatest pilgrimage and festival in the Hindu religion. The event is a religious and cultural spectacle which occurs once in 12 years attracting participants from around the globe to take a dip in the holy waters of Ganga, Yamuna and the mystical Saraswati. Maha Kumbh Festival 2013 is speculated to be one of the biggest congregations in the history of mankind. Last Maha Kumbh witnessed the participation of 70 million people. It is estimated that 100 million may participate this year.
Below are a few pictures of pilgrims arriving preceding the Mauninan Amavasya Snan, the most auspicious bathing date, on February 10.
The Wanderlust Gene
11 Feb 2013I’d forgotton how chilly it must be in Allahabad in the mornings – the pilgrims’ woolies add another layer of exotic ‘gorgeousness’ to your terrific collection. Have fun, and don’t forget to leave room for sweet things 🙂
fotograffer
25 Feb 2013Chilly mornings for sure. We stayed in a tent camp and slept in our clothes most nights to stay warm.
travelerlynne
11 Feb 2013This is incredible.Such masses of people.Love that first and second photo.
fotograffer
25 Feb 2013Thanks Sweetie and thank you for keeping the home fires burning.
Playamart - Zeebra Designs
11 Feb 2013they’re all wonderful images; the ‘next to last’ made me wistful to step into the picture and peer into that little container!
fotograffer
25 Feb 2013The container is called a diya, a little offering vessel with a cotton wick dipped in ghee.
filmcamera999
11 Feb 2013Reblogged this on filmcamera999.
fotograffer
25 Feb 2013Thank you so much.
Pinetree Photo Nature Discovery
12 Feb 2013Wow! What a lot of input for the senses! Great people photos.
fotograffer
25 Feb 2013Thank you Carol. It often was sensory overload.
ilargia64
14 Feb 2013Beautiful serie…I agree with Lizz…But I would add the guy with the teeth…I mean, with those TERRIBLE teeth…
I bet it is a wonderful experience (being there, not having those teeth…:) )
fotograffer
25 Feb 2013Thank you. Being there was amazing and yes there are a lot of bad teeth in India. They seem to be quite addicted to sweets.
adinparadise
27 Feb 2013Fantastic photo gallery, Ron. 100 million people! I can’t imagine being in such a crowd. 😯