Image copyrightGETTY IMAGESIndia’s Kumbh Mela festival is billed as the world’s biggest gathering of people.
Between now and March organisers expect about 120 million pilgrims to bathe at the Sangam – the confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
Hindus believe that doing so will cleanse them of their sins and help them attain “moksha”, setting them free from the cycle of birth and death.
So how does one prepare for a gathering of humanity so mammoth it can be seen from outer space?
The mela (Hindi for fair) is held in the northern city of Allahabad (recently renamed Prayagraj) every 12 years.
On Tuesday, when the festival formally begins, officials are preparing for 15 to 20 million visitors. But the biggest test they face will be on 4 February when 30 million are expected to attend for the most auspicious bathing day. The festival ends on 4 March.
Image copyrightGETTY IMAGESThis year’s festival is an “ardh Kumbh” – a “half-size” version that falls mid-way between two Kumbhs – but there’s nothing diminutive about it. In fact, it’s much bigger than the last full Kumbh held in 2013.
Where does everyone stay?
A vast tent city has been built on the mudflats of the river delta and thousands of officials are working round the clock to ensure the festival runs as smoothly as possible.
“We’ve been working for more than a year,” senior administration official Rajeev Rai said when I met him in his office a few days ago.
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