Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 - in pictures

  • A sadhu or a Hindu holy man blows a conch as devotees take a dip at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers, during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India. Reuters
    A sadhu or a Hindu holy man blows a conch as devotees take a dip at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers, during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India. Reuters
  • More than 400 million people are expected to arrive over the next 45 days in what has been called the largest gathering of humans in the world. Reuters
    More than 400 million people are expected to arrive over the next 45 days in what has been called the largest gathering of humans in the world. Reuters
  • A woman devotee at the festival. Reuters
    A woman devotee at the festival. Reuters
  • A Hindu devotee prays before taking a dip. AP
    A Hindu devotee prays before taking a dip. AP
  • Taking a dip during the festival is considered auspicious by Hindus. AFP
    Taking a dip during the festival is considered auspicious by Hindus. AFP
  • Vast crowds of pilgrims converge at Prayagraj in India on January 13, as the Maha Kumbh Mela opened. AFP
    Vast crowds of pilgrims converge at Prayagraj in India on January 13, as the Maha Kumbh Mela opened. AFP
  • Rescue personnel ferry a boat for security measures at Sangam. AFP
    Rescue personnel ferry a boat for security measures at Sangam. AFP
  • Devotees cross pontoon bridges to take their holy dip. Reuters
    Devotees cross pontoon bridges to take their holy dip. Reuters
  • The millennia-old Kumbh Mela, a sacred show of religious piety and ritual bathing, is held at the site where the holy Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers meet. AFP
    The millennia-old Kumbh Mela, a sacred show of religious piety and ritual bathing, is held at the site where the holy Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers meet. AFP
  • A sadhu takes part in a religious procession. Reuters
    A sadhu takes part in a religious procession. Reuters
  • Hindu devotees watch a laser show on the banks of the river Yamuna. Reuters
    Hindu devotees watch a laser show on the banks of the river Yamuna. Reuters
  • A sadhu offers prayers at Juna Akhara at Kumbh Mela. EPA
    A sadhu offers prayers at Juna Akhara at Kumbh Mela. EPA
  • Holy men at a religious procession during the festival. Reuters
    Holy men at a religious procession during the festival. Reuters