The Kumbh Mela is the largest religious gathering in the world, with over 100 million Hindu pilgrims coming together from all over India to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges. It is held every third year, with the largest, the Maha Kumbha Mela where these images were made, occurring every 12 years.
Curved swords
Pre-dawn preparation to march for Makar Sankranti, the first bathing day on January 14
Massive clouds of DDT used to suppress mosquitoes on the alluvial plane
Groups arrive from around the country in processions for several days
Ceremonial flame
Sadhu being transported
Followers join the assemblage proceeding to the bathing beach
Bands for the processions as they arrive in Allahabad
Boats transport pilgrims on the river
Horn Player
Each Akhara has its distinctive crest/symbol/item
Painted elephants receive food and donations, delivering the money to the mahout (elephant trainer)
Nagas trumpeting, their groups gathering preparing for the sacred bathing day
Temporary pontoon bridges are installed across the Ganges for the missions of pedestrians
Bathing at the Sangham
Naga participating in the ritual cleansing
The face paint begins to run
Holy man on palanquin
Soldiers and police balance respect for the pilgrims with keeping tens of millions safe. Every Kumbh has resulted in deaths from stampedes
Researched crossed marigold garlands
Temporary tent cities are created for the tens of millions of pilgrims
Marching band leads Akhara into the camp
Prodigious amounts of hashish “insulate” the Nagas from the effects of the cold and add to their festive energy
Naga on horseback
Musicians add to the revelry
Sadhus share wisdom with followers and other visitors
Research beads
As part of his practice, he has stood on one foot for twelve years
Temporary tent cities and temporary electric lines, temporary sanitation, temporary fresh water for the 55 day celebration
Many pilgrims travel vast distances and then sleep in the streets in order to participate
