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Maha Kumbh Mela

11 images Created 24 Apr 2013

A Kumbh Mela is a Hindu pilgrimage to a sacred river. This happens every three years, in one of four places in India - Haridwar, Nashik, Ujjain or Allahabad. In 2013, was the Maha Kumbh Mela which only happens every 144 years in Allahabad for about six weeks. An estimated 200 million people visited during this time, many to bathe in the Sangam - the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. I visited Allahabad on the 24th of February, after the rains had come and signalled many of the sadhus (holy men) to move on from the Kumbh grounds. Initially I was upset that I had missed an opportunity to make images of the sadhus in their most sacred space, but what I found instead was a vision of faith and humanity at its best. The Mela grounds were illuminated through the night and policemen were on horses, boats, pontoons and patrolling on foot to ensure safe passage for everyone. The 18 million people who started trickling into the Sangam area from 3 a.m. were there for the same reason - to ask, to forgive, to offer - and all with respect for their fellow seeker.
I hope that these images are a reflection of the peace, faith and respect of the people I shared some space and a little bit of time with at the Maha Kumbh.
Published in National Geographic Traveller India.

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  • Maha Kumbh Mela, Allahbad, Morning of the full moon, Maghi Purnima Snan on 25th February 2013. An estimated 18 million people visited the Kumbh Mela that day.
    8 KumbhMela25022013 - AN 325.tif
  • Maha Kumbh Mela, Allahbad, Morning of the full moon, Maghi Purnima Snan on 25th February 2013. An estimated 18 million people visited the Kumbh Mela that day.
    7 KumbhMela25022013 - AN 202.tif
  • Maha Kumbh Mela, Allahbad, Morning of the full moon, Maghi Purnima Snan on 25th February 2013. An estimated 18 million people visited the Kumbh Mela that day.
    5 KumbhMela25022013 - AN 1090.tif
  • Maha Kumbh Mela, Allahbad, Evening of the full moon, Maghi Purnima Snan on 25th February 2013. An estimated 18 million people visted the Kumbh Mela that day.
    1 KumbhMela25022013 - AN 946.tif
  • Maha Kumbh Mela, Allahbad, Morning of the full moon, Maghi Purnima Snan on 25th February 2013. An estimated 18 million people visited the Kumbh Mela that day. Pontoon Bridges allowed people to cross the river.
    9 KumbhMela25022013 - AN 240.tif .tif
  • Maha Kumbh Mela, Allahbad, Morning of the full moon, Maghi Purnima Snan on 25th February 2013. An estimated 18 million people visited the Kumbh Mela that day.
    10 KumbhMela25022013 - AN 374.tif
  • Maha Kumbh Mela, Allahbad, 24th February 2013 -  A Pilgrim does a small arti at the banks of the Ganga at sunset, a day before the Maghi Poornima (full moon) Snan.
    12 KumbhMela24022013 - AN 137.tif
  • Maha Kumbh Mela, Allahbad, 24th February 2013 -  Pilgrims conduct a small arti at the banks of the Ganga at sunset, a day before the Maghi Poornima (full moon) Snan.
    13 KumbhMela24022013 - AN 156.tif
  • Maha Kumbh Mela, Allahbad, 24th February 2013 -  Pilgrims conduct a small arti at the banks of the Ganga at sunset, a day before the Maghi Poornima (full moon) Snan.
    14 KumbhMela24022013 - AN 170.tif
  • Maha Kumbh Mela, Allahbad, Morning of the full moon, Maghi Purnima Snan on 25th February 2013. An estimated 18 million people visited the Kumbh Mela that day.
    15 KumbhMela25022013 - AN 1081.tif
  • Maha Kumbh Mela, Allahbad, 24th February 2013 - the evening before the full moon, Maghi Purnima Snan, on 25th February 2013, when an estimated 18 million people were to visit the Kumbh Mela.
    17 KumbhMela24022013 - AN 46.tif
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ASHIMA NARAIN

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