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Makar Sankranti marks the beginning of the Kumbh Mela festival. The confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati has called out to the religious for centuries. It is about religious fervour, spirituality, love and even fun at the ‘Shahi Snan’ (royal bath) on Makar Sakranti as devotees, ascetics and religious leaders of various orders gather for the largest congregation in the world. They march in a procession, dancing and singing devotional songs, all the way to the waters. Attracting eyeballs of one and all, especially foreigners, was the march of the Naga sadhus, a martial order of ascetics who roam naked with ash smeared on their bodies. It is traditionally called ‘Ardh Kumbh’ as it takes place twice in 12 years. But the present Uttar Pradesh government recently renamed it ‘Kumbh’. Ardh Kumbh is held in every six years, while the Kumbh Mela comes after 12 years. The Yogi Adityanath government has renamed Ardh Kumbh as Kumbh and the Kumbh as Maha Kumbh. Text: PTI Photos: PTI/Reuters
A view of the campsite established along the banks of River Ganga on the eve of Kumbh Mela, in Allahabad, January 14, 2019.
About 12 crore people are expected to visit the Kumbh between now and Maha Shivratri on March 4, when the Mela will come to a close, for a holy dip at the Sangam
Naga Sadhus make their way to the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati, for a purifying dip on Makar Sankranti day during the Kumbh Mela.
Day One is for ascetics from akharas and those who brave the surging crowds
Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi, chief of the "Kinnar Akhada" congregation for transgender people takes a dip during the first "Shahi Snan" (grand bath)
Juna Sadhus take a holy dip. Each akhara, the term for an organisation of sadhus, is allotted 45 minutes to participate in the ritual bath by the Kumbh administration.
A combo of six photos shows Juna Akhara Sadhus after their holy dip at Sangam
A helicopter sprays flowers on Naga Sadhus taking a holy dip on Makar Sankranti day
Naga sadhus, the cynosure of all eyes, take a holy dip at Sangam
People from lands near and far brave the cold weather to take a dip in the icy waters
A man dries clothes after taking a dip in the holy water at the Kumbh Mela
UP ATS personnel keep a vigil during the Makar Sankranti bath
Sadhus perform stunts during 'Peshwai' ceremony (Royal entry) for the Kumbh Mela 2019, in Allahabad, on January 7, 2019.
Sadhus of 13 akharas (seven Shaiva, three Vaishnava, two Udasina, and one Sikh), who have traditionally participated in the Kumbh Mela, are among the first to take the holy dip
Devotees pray after taking a holy dip at Sangam
A sadhu during the ongoing Kumbh Mela 2019 in Allahabad (Prayagraj)
A sadhvi smears 'Bhasm' (ashes) on her face during the ongoing Kumbh Mela 2019 in Allahabad (Prayagraj), on January 16, 2019
A sadhu during the ongoing Kumbh Mela 2019 in Allahabad (Prayagraj)
Artists dressed as various gods and goddesses take selfie during 'Peshwai' ceremony on January 7, 2019.
Allahabad: A sadhu prepares his food at a camp near Kumbh Mela 2019 venue
An artist paints a boat ahead of Kumbh Mela 2019, in Allahabad
Police take oath with Ganga Jal in one hand ahead of their duty in Kumbh Mela 2019 on January 13, 2019.
Juna Akhara Sadhus leave after taking a holy bath at Sangam on the auspicious Makar Sankranti day during the Kumbh Mela
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