The Kumbh Mela, which began January 13 in Prayagraj, northern India, is a 45-day Hindu pilgrimage during which millions of Hindus immerse themselves in the sacred Ganges River to cleanse their sins. The event featured spiritual rituals,

The Hindu festival of Kumbh Mela, considered the largest human gathering on the planet, began in northern India on Monday with thousands of pilgrims flocking to the holy confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and Sarasvati rivers.

The Hindu festival of Kumbh Mela, considered the largest human gathering on the planet, began in northern India on Monday with thousands of pilgrims flocking to the holy confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and Sarasvati rivers.

Over the coming 45 days, an estimated 400 million Hindus are expected to come together for Maha Kumbh Mela. The festival is held every 12 years but the "Maha" or grand Kumbh Mela takes place only every 144 years, "marking the 12th Kumbh Mela and a special celestial alignment of the sun, moon and Jupiter", said The Guardian.

The Maha Kumbh Mela, a spiritual and cultural phenomenon, has begun in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, attracting an estimated 400 million visitors over six weeks. This extraordinary congregation, recognised as the world’s largest gathering of humanity,

Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest gathering, begins in India as millions bathe in the Ganges to seek spiritual salvation.

India's Maha Kumbh Mela, or Great Pitcher Festival, is set to be the world's largest gathering of humanity, with 400 million visitors expected at the six-week event that began this week in the northern city of Prayagraj.