10 stunning images from the Maha Kumbh at Allahabad

Once every 12 years, millions of Indians gather for one of Hinduism's holiest celebrations at the Sangam.

In this Feb 27 photo, a Naga Sadhu watches as other men of the Juna Akhara sect take the holy dip at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna River during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad.

Once every 12 years, millions of Indians gather for one of Hinduism's holiest celebrations at the Sangam. In this January 14 photo, a man jumps in the water as he takes a dip during shahi snan or holy bath.
Participants at the Kumbh believe a bath in the river on one of the festival's auspicious bathing days can rid them of their sins. In this January 27 photo, a devotee takes the holy bath.
Millions of devout Hindus took holy dips in the frigid waters of the holy Ganges River in a ritual that they believe will wash away their sins.

In this February 10 photo, a Naga sadhu returns after taking a dip at the Sangam.
In the 55-day-long Kumbh Mela, one of the world's largest religious gatherings, there were six auspicious bathing days.
In this January 14 photo, a child reacts after being taken for a dip at Sangam.

In this January 12 photo, a cyclist rides over a bridge as the camp and festival ground is enveloped in a morning fog at Sangam in Allahabad.
In this February 11 photo, a man is seen prays standing on one leg as other dry their cloths after a holy dip at Sangam.
In this February 7 photo, the people of Juna Akhara sect take part in a ritual during the shahi snan.