Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad

Devotees from across the country had started pouring in since Sunday evening. The "Shahi Snan", began at around 6 am. The Mela, held every 12 years, will go on for the next two months and will conclude on Maha Shivaratri on March 10.
A devotee has river water poured over his head at the waters edge at the Sangham or confluence of the Yamuna and Ganges river.

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Devotees take a holy dip in the river Ganga during the Maha Kumbh festival.

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Devotees crossing the Pantoon bridge for taking the holy dip in the river Ganga.

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Couples, only hands seen, perform a ritual for the long life of their spouses at Sangam, the confluence of rivers Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati on a cold day.

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A Sadhu walks with his earthly possessions on the vast grounds which will receive millions of devotees that will congregate here for the next couple of months to celebrate the Kumbh Mela, in Allahabad.

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A man and a woman hold hands as they help each other wade into the waters of the Sangham or confluence of the Yamuna and Ganges river at the Kumbh Mela celebration in Allahabad.

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The inaugural day of the two-month-long congregation, often described as the "greatest show on Earth", was marked by the first "Shahi Snan" of 13 "akharas"

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Devotees started pouring in despite cold weather and elaborate security arrangements on account of which bathers are being made to park their vehicles several kilometres away from the holy confluence and reach the Sangam on foot.

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Security personnel are keeping a steady watch on the movement of the "Naga sadhus" along the route, from watch towers and by monitoring CCTVs as their processions have sparked off violent clashes in the past.

Exceptionally large crowds are also expected on Mauni Amavasya (February 10, 3 crore) and Basant Panchmi (February 15, 1.9 crore).

Spiritual leaders like the Dalai Lama, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Baba Ramdev and Asaram Bapu, also have planned their visits.

Vehicular traffic has been banned on most of the roads in the city from Sunday to facilitate movement of people.

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The huge turnout of people, visits of high-profile gurus in addition to the presence of naga sanyasis have increased the pressure on police and administration for smooth functioning of the Kumbh Mela.

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The "Shahi Snan", which is a star attraction of the event, began at around 6 am as curious, awestruck onlookers gathered on both sides of the over-a-kilometre-long road.

Image courtesy: PTI