World’s largest religious gathering

More than 400 million visitors are expected in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh for the Maha Kumbh Mela – Great Pitcher Festival – at the confluence of the Jamuna, Ganges and mythical Saraswati rivers


150,000 Tents
4,000 ha Tent city
3,000 Kitchens
145,000 Restrooms
40,000 Policemen 
3,300 Extra trains


Holy rivers 
Jamuna
Ganges
New Delhi
Shipra
Godavari
1 2 3 4
400km 250 miles


KUMBH MELA SITES 
1 Prayagraj
2 Haridwar
3 Ujjain
4 Nashik

Festival held every three years, location based on astrological position of Sun, Moon and Jupiter. Every 12th year designated Maha or Great


Gods and demons “churning the waters”, Vishnu inform of tortoise

Hindu mythology says that god Vishnu fought with demons for 12 divine days – 12 human years – over golden pitcher holding nectar of immortality. Four drops of nectar fell to earth, one in each mela town

Sadhu, or holy man, washes away past sins to end process of reincarnation


Sources: Reuters, Amrutam
Pictures: Getty Images
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