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.