The Maha Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gathering, has begun in Prayagraj, India, attracting millions of Hindu devotees.
Over the next six weeks, around 400 million people are expected to bathe in the sacred Triveni Sangam, the meeting point of three holy rivers: the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati.
This act is believed to purify sins and bring spiritual liberation.
The festival, which takes place every 12 years in Prayagraj and rotates among four cities, is steeped in Hindu mythology.
It commemorates the legend of demons and gods fighting over an elixir of immortality, with four drops falling on the Earth, giving rise to the festival’s locations.
The gathering is also known for attracting sadhus, ascetics who have renounced worldly possessions.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited people worldwide to join, and the event is recognized by UNESCO as a cultural heritage.
This year’s festival is especially well-planned, with millions of dollars invested in infrastructure to accommodate the massive influx of visitors.
Authorities have set up facilities like tens of thousands of tents and toilets, and enhanced safety measures, including drones and AI-powered security cameras, to ensure the safety of the attendees.
The festival will run until February 26 and promises to be a blend of spiritual devotion and cultural spectacle.