Kumbh Mela, Haridwar, Apr 2010

Kumbh Mela, Haridwar.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India.

Kumbh MelaHaridwarbiggest religious gatheringbanks of river GangapilgrimsHinduHindusreligiousbathsnanwash sinsauspiciousmillionsJan 14April 282010shahi snanroyal bathsdevoteesHar Ki Paudiriver banksUKUttarakhandNorth India0010043118

Due to the Shahi Snan, getting into Haridwar for the Kumbh Mela was a serious challenge as hundreds of thousands of pilgrims poured in. Took an Air India flight from Delhi to Jolly Grant, Dehradun and with a mix of Tempo, bus, rickshaw, train, bike-ride and walk, finally got into the city.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India.

kumbh melaHaridwarKumbh Mela Festivalbiggest religious gatheringbanks of river GangapilgrimsHinduHindusreligiousbathsnanwash sinsauspiciousmillionsJan 14April 282010shahi snanroyal bathsdevoteesriver banksUKUttarakhandNorth India

View of the inside of a packed train while had people inside, outside (on top and sides) and in between carriages!

Due to the Shahi Snan, getting into Haridwar for the Kumbh Mela was a serious challenge as hundreds of thousands of pilgrims poured in. Took an Air India flight from Delhi to Jolly Grant, Dehradun and with a mix of Tempo, bus, rickshaw, train, bike-ride and walk, finally got into the city.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India.

2010April 28HaridwarHindusJan 14Kumbh Mela FestivalNorth IndiaUKauspiciousbanks of river Gangabathbiggest religious gatheringdevoteeshindukumbh melamillionspilgrimsreligiousriver banksroyal bathsshahi snansnanuttarakhandwash sins

Evening before the biggest Shahi Snan on April 14, was crowded but the lull before the storm.

Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims poured into Haridware for the Kumbh Mela.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India.

2010April 28Har Ki PaudiHaridwarHindusJan 14Kumbh Mela FestivalNorth IndiaUKauspiciousbanks of river Gangabathbiggest religious gatheringdevoteeshindukumbh melamillionspilgrimsreligiousriver banksroyal bathsshahi snansnanuttarakhandwash sins

Kumbh Mela, Haridwar.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India.

2010April 28Ganga riverHar Ki PaudiHar ki pauriHaridwarHindusJan 14North IndiaUKauspiciousbanks of river Gangabathbiggest religious gatheringdevoteeshari ki paudihindukumbh melamaamillionspilgrimsreligiousriver banksroyal bathsshahi snansnanuttarakhandwash sins

Evening before the biggest Shahi Snan on April 14, was crowded but the lull before the storm.

Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims poured into Haridware for the Kumbh Mela.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India.

2010April 28Har Ki PaudiHaridwarHindusJan 14Kumbh Mela FestivalNorth IndiaUKauspiciousbanks of river Gangabathbiggest religious gatheringdevoteeshindukumbh melamillionspilgrimsreligiousriver banksroyal bathsshahi snansnanuttarakhandwash sins

Sunrise over Hari Ki Paudi, Haridwar.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

2010April 28HaridwarHindusJan 14Kumbh Mela FestivalNorth IndiaUKauspiciousbanks of river Gangabathbiggest religious gatheringdevoteeshindukumbh melamillionspilgrimsreligiousriver banksroyal bathsshahi snansnanuttarakhandwash sins

Naga sadhus (naked monks) jump into the river ganga with frenzy. As per tradition, the Naga sadhu's have the first right of bathing in the holy Ganga on the occasion of Kumbh Mela.


Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

2010April 28HaridwarHindusJan 14Kumbh Mela FestivalNorth IndiaUKauspiciousbanks of river Gangabathbiggest religious gatheringdevoteeshindukumbh melamillionspilgrimsreligiousriver banksroyal bathsshahi snansnanuttarakhandwash sins

Thousands taking a holy bath in the river Ganga at Hari Ki Pauri, Haridwar.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

2010April 28HaridwarHindusJan 14Kumbh Mela FestivalNorth IndiaUKauspiciousbanks of river Gangabathbiggest religious gatheringdevoteeshindukumbh melamillionspilgrimsreligiousriver banksroyal bathsshahi snansnanuttarakhandwash sins

Naga sadhus taking a bath in the Kumbh Mela, Haridwar.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India.

2010April 28Har Ki PaudiHaridwarHindusJan 14KumbhMaha Kumbh MelaNorth IndiaUKauspiciousbanks of river Gangabathbiggest religious gatheringdevoteesdipdivedunkgangahindukumbh melamillionsnaganakedpilgrimsreligiousriver banksroyal bathssadhushahi snansnanuttarakhandwash sins

Naga sadhus (naked monks) jump into the river ganga with frenzy. As per tradition, the Naga sadhu's have the first right of bathing in the holy Ganga on the occasion of Kumbh Mela.


Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

2010April 28HaridwarHindusJan 14Kumbh Mela FestivalNorth IndiaUKauspiciousbanks of river Gangabathbiggest religious gatheringdevoteeshindukumbh melamillionspilgrimsreligiousriver banksroyal bathsshahi snansnanuttarakhandwash sins

Hindu prayers and poojas being conducted on the river bank of Ganga on the occasion of Kumbh Mela.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

kumbh melaHaridwarKumbh Mela Festivalbiggest religious gatheringbanks of river GangapilgrimsHinduHindusreligiousbathsnanwash sinsauspiciousmillionsJan 14April 282010shahi snanroyal bathsdevoteesriver banksUKUttarakhandNorth India

Hindu prayers and poojas being conducted on the river bank of Ganga on the occasion of Kumbh Mela.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

2010April 28HaridwarHindusJan 14Kumbh Mela FestivalNorth IndiaUKauspiciousbanks of river Gangabathbiggest religious gatheringdevoteeshindukumbh melamillionspilgrimsreligiousriver banksroyal bathsshahi snansnanuttarakhandwash sins

Women drying their cloths after a dip in the holy river Ganga at Haridwar.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

kumbh melaHaridwarKumbh Mela Festivalbiggest religious gatheringbanks of river GangapilgrimsHinduHindusreligiousbathsnanwash sinsauspiciousmillionsJan 14April 282010shahi snanroyal bathsdevoteesriver banksUKUttarakhandNorth India

Evening bathing in the holy river Ganga.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

2010April 28HaridwarHindusJan 14Kumbh Mela FestivalNorth IndiaUKauspiciousbanks of river Gangabathbiggest religious gatheringdevoteeshindukumbh melamillionspilgrimsreligiousriver banksroyal bathsshahi snansnanuttarakhandwash sins

With hundreds of thousands of pilgrims in Haridware for the Kumbh Mela, people found any nook and corner to lay down and sleep literally on the streets.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India.

2010April 28Har Ki PaudiHaridwarHindusJan 14Kumbh Mela FestivalNorth IndiaUKauspiciousbanks of river Gangabathbiggest religious gatheringdevoteeshindukumbh melamillionspilgrimsreligiousriver banksroyal bathsshahi snansnanuttarakhandwash sins

Food stalls did brisk business near Har Ki Paudi at Haridware during the Kumbh Mela.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India.

2010April 28Har Ki PaudiHaridwarHindusJan 14Kumbh Mela FestivalNorth IndiaUKauspiciousbanks of river Gangabathbiggest religious gatheringdevoteeshindukumbh melamillionspilgrimsreligiousriver banksroyal bathsshahi snansnanuttarakhandwash sins

Shri Ganga Mandir. Evening before the biggest Shahi Snan on April 14, was crowded but the lull before the storm.

Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims poured into Haridware for the Kumbh Mela.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India.

2010April 28Har Ki PaudiHaridwarHindusJan 14Kumbh Mela FestivalNorth IndiaUKauspiciousbanks of river Gangabathbiggest religious gatheringdevoteeshindukumbh melamillionspilgrimsreligiousriver banksroyal bathsshahi snansnanuttarakhandwash sins

Evening before the biggest Shahi Snan on April 14, was crowded but the lull before the storm.

Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims poured into Haridware for the Kumbh Mela.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India.

2010April 28Har Ki PaudiHaridwarHindusJan 14Kumbh Mela FestivalNorth IndiaUKauspiciousbanks of river Gangabathbiggest religious gatheringdevoteeshindukumbh melamillionspilgrimsreligiousriver banksroyal bathsshahi snansnanuttarakhandwash sins

Various holy men come to Haridware for the Kumbh Mela and display their various "skills" and "powers".

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

kumbh melaHaridwarKumbh Mela Festivalbiggest religious gatheringbanks of river GangapilgrimsHinduHindusreligiousbathsnanwash sinsauspiciousmillionsJan 14April 282010shahi snanroyal bathsdevoteesriver banksUKUttarakhandNorth India

Various ghats packed with people taking a dip in the holy Ganga river in Haridwar.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

2010April 28HaridwarHindusJan 14Kumbh Mela FestivalNorth IndiaUKauspiciousbanks of river Gangabathbiggest religious gatheringdevoteeshindukumbh melamillionspilgrimsreligiousriver banksroyal bathsshahi snansnanuttarakhandwash sins

Thousands taking a holy bath in the river Ganga at Hari Ki Pauri, Haridwar.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

kumbh melaHaridwarKumbh Mela Festivalbiggest religious gatheringbanks of river GangapilgrimsHinduHindusreligiousbathsnanwash sinsauspiciousmillionsJan 14April 282010shahi snanroyal bathsdevoteesriver banksUKUttarakhandNorth India

Thousands taking a holy bath in the river Ganga at Hari Ki Pauri, Haridwar.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

kumbh melaHaridwarKumbh Mela Festivalbiggest religious gatheringbanks of river GangapilgrimsHinduHindusreligiousbathsnanwash sinsauspiciousmillionsJan 14April 282010shahi snanroyal bathsdevoteesriver banksUKUttarakhandNorth India

Thousands taking a holy bath in the river Ganga at Hari Ki Pauri, Haridwar.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

2010April 28HaridwarHindusJan 14Kumbh Mela FestivalNorth IndiaUKauspiciousbanks of river Gangabathbiggest religious gatheringdevoteeshindukumbh melamillionspilgrimsreligiousriver banksroyal bathsshahi snansnanuttarakhandwash sins

Pilgrims and devotees line the ghats for a puja and a holy dip.
Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

kumbh melaHaridwarKumbh Mela Festivalbiggest religious gatheringbanks of river GangapilgrimsHinduHindusreligiousbathsnanwash sinsauspiciousmillionsJan 14April 282010shahi snanroyal bathsdevoteesriver banksUKUttarakhandNorth India

Thousands taking a holy bath in the river Ganga at Hari Ki Pauri, Haridwar.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

2010April 28HaridwarHindusJan 14Kumbh Mela FestivalNorth IndiaUKauspiciousbanks of river Gangabathbiggest religious gatheringdevoteeshindukumbh melamillionspilgrimsreligiousriver banksroyal bathsshahi snansnanuttarakhandwash sins

Thousands taking a holy bath in the river Ganga at Hari Ki Pauri, Haridwar.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

kumbh melaHaridwarKumbh Mela Festivalbiggest religious gatheringbanks of river GangapilgrimsHinduHindusreligiousbathsnanwash sinsauspiciousmillionsJan 14April 282010shahi snanroyal bathsdevoteesriver banksUKUttarakhandNorth India

Various ghats packed with people taking a dip in the holy Ganga river in Haridwar.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

2010April 28HaridwarHindusJan 14Kumbh Mela FestivalNorth IndiaUKauspiciousbanks of river Gangabathbiggest religious gatheringdevoteeshindukumbh melamillionspilgrimsreligiousriver banksroyal bathsshahi snansnanuttarakhandwash sins

Various ghats packed with people taking a dip in the holy Ganga river in Haridwar.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

2010April 28HaridwarHindusJan 14Kumbh Mela FestivalNorth IndiaUKauspiciousbanks of river Gangabathbiggest religious gatheringdevoteeshindukumbh melamillionspilgrimsreligiousriver banksroyal bathsshahi snansnanuttarakhandwash sins

Old lady pilgrim at the Kumbh Mela, Haridwar.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India.

oldladypilgrimmark on foreheadtikkatikasareel yellowMaha Kumbh MelaHaridwarKumbh Melabiggest religious gatheringbanks of river GangapilgrimsHinduHindusreligiousbathsnanwash sinsauspiciousmillionsJan 14April 282010shahi snanroyal bathsdevoteesHar Ki Paudiriver banksUKUttarakhandNorth India

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

kumbh melaHaridwarKumbh Mela Festivalbiggest religious gatheringbanks of river GangapilgrimsHinduHindusreligiousbathsnanwash sinsauspiciousmillionsJan 14April 282010shahi snanroyal bathsdevoteesriver banksUKUttarakhandNorth India

Lady performing a religious ritual at the Kumbh Mela, Haridwar.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India.

ladypujaflowerspetalsyellowsareeMaha Kumbh MelaHaridwarKumbh Melabiggest religious gatheringbanks of river GangapilgrimsHinduHindusreligiousbathsnanwash sinsauspiciousmillionsJan 14April 282010shahi snanroyal bathsdevoteesHar Ki Paudiriver banksUKUttarakhandNorth India

Various Hindu ceremonies being conducted on the banks of the holy Ganga river.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

2010April 28HaridwarHindusJan 14Kumbh Mela FestivalNorth IndiaUKauspiciousbanks of river Gangabathbiggest religious gatheringdevoteeshindukumbh melamillionspilgrimsreligiousriver banksroyal bathsshahi snansnanuttarakhandwash sins

Thousands taking a holy bath in the river Ganga at Hari Ki Pauri, Haridwar.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

kumbh melaHaridwarKumbh Mela Festivalbiggest religious gatheringbanks of river GangapilgrimsHinduHindusreligiousbathsnanwash sinsauspiciousmillionsJan 14April 282010shahi snanroyal bathsdevoteesriver banksUKUttarakhandNorth India

Sadhus adorn themself after taking a bath in the river Ganga at Haridwar.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

kumbh melaHaridwarKumbh Mela Festivalbiggest religious gatheringbanks of river GangapilgrimsHinduHindusreligiousbathsnanwash sinsauspiciousmillionsJan 14April 282010shahi snanroyal bathsdevoteesriver banksUKUttarakhandNorth India

Sadhus adorn themself after taking a bath in the river Ganga at Haridwar.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

2010April 28Har Ki PaudiHaridwarHindusJan 14Kumbh Mela FestivalNorth IndiaUKauspiciousbanks of river Gangabathbiggest religious gatheringdevoteeshindukumbh melamillionspilgrimsreligiousriver banksroyal bathsshahi snansnanuttarakhandwash sins

Lady reciting prayers at the bank of the river Ganga at Haridwar.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

kumbh melaHaridwarKumbh Mela Festivalbiggest religious gatheringbanks of river GangapilgrimsHinduHindusreligiousbathsnanwash sinsauspiciousmillionsJan 14April 282010shahi snanroyal bathsdevoteesriver banksUKUttarakhandNorth India

Naga Sadhu with his chillam at Kumbh Mela, Haridwar.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India.

nagasadhumonksmokechillamchilamfirerudrakshmalarosaryMaha Kumbh MelaHaridwarKumbh Melabiggest religious gatheringbanks of river GangapilgrimsHinduHindusreligiousbathsnanwash sinsauspiciousmillionsJan 14April 282010shahi snanroyal bathsdevoteesHar Ki Paudiriver banksUKUttarakhandNorth India

Naga Sadhu (monks) wash up in the holy Ganga river.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

kumbh melaHaridwarKumbh Mela Festivalbiggest religious gatheringbanks of river GangapilgrimsHinduHindusreligiousbathsnanwash sinsauspiciousmillionsJan 14April 282010shahi snanroyal bathsdevoteesriver banksUKUttarakhandNorth India

Bathing and prayers at Haridwar on the banks of river Ganga.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

2010April 28HaridwarHindusJan 14Kumbh Mela FestivalNorth IndiaUKauspiciousbanks of river Gangabathbiggest religious gatheringdevoteeshindukumbh melamillionspilgrimsreligiousriver banksroyal bathsshahi snansnanuttarakhandwash sins

Bathing and prayers at Haridwar on the banks of river Ganga.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

2010April 28HaridwarHindusJan 14Kumbh Mela FestivalNorth IndiaUKauspiciousbanks of river Gangabathbiggest religious gatheringdevoteeshindukumbh melamillionspilgrimsreligiousriver banksroyal bathsshahi snansnanuttarakhandwash sins

Thousands taking a holy bath in the river Ganga at Hari Ki Pauri, Haridwar.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

2010April 28HaridwarHindusJan 14Kumbh Mela FestivalNorth IndiaUKauspiciousbanks of river Gangabathbiggest religious gatheringdevoteeshindukumbh melamillionspilgrimsreligiousriver banksroyal bathsshahi snansnanuttarakhandwash sins

Prayers being offered at the river ghats of the holy Ganga at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

2010April 28HaridwarHindusJan 14Kumbh Mela FestivalNorth IndiaUKauspiciousbanks of river Gangabathbiggest religious gatheringdevoteeshindukumbh melamillionspilgrimsreligiousriver banksroyal bathsshahi snansnanuttarakhandwash sins

Women drying their cloths in the cool air of Haridwar.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

2010April 28HaridwarHindusJan 14Kumbh Mela FestivalNorth IndiaUKauspiciousbanks of river Gangabathbiggest religious gatheringdevoteeshindukumbh melamillionspilgrimsreligiousriver banksroyal bathsshahi snansnanuttarakhandwash sins

Prayers being offered at the river ghats of the holy Ganga at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

2010April 28HaridwarHindusJan 14Kumbh Mela FestivalNorth IndiaUKauspiciousbanks of river Gangabathbiggest religious gatheringdevoteeshindukumbh melamillionspilgrimsreligiousriver banksroyal bathsshahi snansnanuttarakhandwash sins

Prayers being offered at the river ghats of the holy Ganga at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

kumbh melaHaridwarKumbh Mela Festivalbiggest religious gatheringbanks of river GangapilgrimsHinduHindusreligiousbathsnanwash sinsauspiciousmillionsJan 14April 282010shahi snanroyal bathsdevoteesriver banksUKUttarakhandNorth India

Women of all ages come for prayers and to receive blessings at the holy river Ganga in Haridwar.

Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

2010April 28HaridwarHindusJan 14Kumbh Mela FestivalNorth IndiaUKauspiciousbanks of river Gangabathbiggest religious gatheringdevoteeshindukumbh melamillionspilgrimsreligiousriver banksroyal bathsshahi snansnanuttarakhandwash sins