White Cloth, India
Lisa Kristine

The most holy Hindu festival, the Kumbh Mela, is held in Allahabad once every twelve years where the sacred rivers, the Ganges and Yamuna, meet at the Sangam. During this time millions of pilgrims come from all over India to bathe at its holy confluence. This last Kumbh Mela, held in 2001, was the largest gathering of mankind in world history. There were an estimated 72 million celebrants over the course of the holy festival lasting from mid January to mid February. These praying men are seen bathing in the Holy Sangam, achieving one of the most auspicious fulfilments of their religious lives.