Sadhus or holy men during Kumbh Mela, Kumbh Mela, Allahabad, India, Asia
Kumbh Mela is one of the largest human congregations of faith on the Earth. Legend has it that in the mythological times, during a waging war between the demigods and demons for the possession of elixir of eternal life, a few drops of it had fallen on to four places that are today known as Prayag (Allahabad), Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik. It is believed that these drops gave mystical powers to these places. It is to make oneself gain on those powers that Kumbh Mela has been celebrated in each of the four places since long as one can remember. The normal Kumbh Mela is held every 3 years, the Ardh (half) Kumbh Mela is held every six years at Haridwar and Allahabad while the Purna (complete) Kumbh melatakes place every twelve years, at four places Prayag (Allahabad), Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik, based on planetary movements. The biggest event happens only every 144 years, after twelve Purna, in Prayag-Allahabad and is called “Maha Kumbh Mela”. Allahabad is the most important place for possessing the holy confluence, known as Triveni Sangam, of the three sacred rivers of India – Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. In 2013, from 27th January to 25th February, the banks of the Sangam received more than 80 millions of pilgrims. It’s believed that bathing here will free one from all the past sins, thereby liberating him from the cycle of life and death. Discomfort of having to travel miles and living open air under freezing weather will take a backseat and it’s the pure sense of devotion and spirituality that will prevail, evident through their faces.
Size: 3543px × 5315px
Location: Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, Asia
Photo credit: © Erberto Zani / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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