Kumbh Mela 2019: In photos

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