Kumbh Mela, Haridwar, Apr 2010

Kumbh Mela, was held in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. North India between January 14th to April 28th, 2010. The purna Kumbh Mela takes place once in twelve years and is one of 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 Kumbh Mela with its swirling crowds can be as physically daunting as it is spiritually fulfilling for those who believe in it . Thousands of pilgrims, mostly Hindus, flocked to Haridwar for the snan (holy dip). The Maha Kumbh Mela ('Great' Kumbh Mela) comes after a cyle of twelve 'Purna Kumbh Melas' which is after every 144 years and is held at Allahabad, UP. The 2001, Maha Kumbh Mela was attended by around 60 million people, making it the largest gathering anywhere in the world.

The monks demonstrate various physical feats and mystical abilities. This monk from Haryana demonstrates the Lingam Kriya (Penis Feat) where he has another monk stand on a stick held by wraping his penis. It is a way to demonstrate that the tool has strenght & power but not for any sexual activity as the naga monks have renounced the world. Viewing this, I feel that a lot goes by faith and belief.

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.
2010 April 28 Haridwar Hindus Jan 14 Kumbh Mela Festival North India UK auspicious banks of river Ganga bath biggest religious gathering devotees hindu kriya kumbh mela lingam millions organ penis pilgrims religious river banks royal baths shahi snan snan stick tool uttarakhand wash sins
The monks demonstrate various physical feats and mystical abilities. This monk from Haryana demonstrates the Lingam Kriya (Penis Feat) where he has another monk stand on a stick held by wraping his penis. It is a way to demonstrate that the tool has strenght & power but not for any sexual activity as the naga monks have renounced the world. Viewing this, I feel that a lot goes by faith and belief.

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.
2010 April 28 Haridwar Hindus Jan 14 Kumbh Mela Festival North India UK auspicious banks of river Ganga bath biggest religious gathering devotees hindu kriya kumbh mela lingam millions organ penis pilgrims religious river banks royal baths shahi snan snan stick tool uttarakhand wash sins
Naga sadhus (naked monks) renounce everything including cloths and rub ash and mud on their bodies. They live only in prayers. Typically with a dhuni (fireplace) in front and chilam (pipe with hashish) they spend time in prayers and meditation. arrives. During Kumbh Mela, the Naga sadhus bless those who come to them.

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.
2010 April 28 Haridwar Hindus Jan 14 Kumbh Mela Festival North India UK auspicious banks of river Ganga bath biggest religious gathering devotees hindu kumbh mela millions pilgrims religious river banks royal baths shahi snan snan uttarakhand wash sins
Puffing away on some hashish.
Naga sadhus (naked monks) renounce everything including cloths and rub ash and mud on their bodies. They live only in prayers. Typically with a dhuni (fireplace) in front and chilam (pipe with hashish) they spend time in prayers and meditation. arrives. During Kumbh Mela, the Naga sadhus bless those who come to them.

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.
2010 April 28 Haridwar Hindus Jan 14 Kumbh Mela Festival North India UK auspicious banks of river Ganga bath biggest religious gathering devotees drug fire ganja hashish hindu kumbh mela match match stick millions pilgrims pipe pot religious river banks royal baths shahi snan smoke snan uttarakhand wash sins
Naga sadhus (naked monks) renounce everything including cloths and rub ash and mud on their bodies. They live only in prayers. Typically with a dhuni (fireplace) in front and chilam (pipe with hashish) they spend time in prayers and meditation. arrives. During Kumbh Mela, the Naga sadhus bless those who come to them.

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.
2010 April 28 Haridwar Hindus Jan 14 Kumbh Mela Festival North India UK auspicious banks of river Ganga bath biggest religious gathering devotees hindu kumbh mela millions pilgrims religious river banks royal baths shahi snan snan uttarakhand wash sins
Naga sadhus (naked monks) renounce everything including cloths and rub ash and mud on their bodies. They live only in prayers. Typically with a dhuni (fireplace) in front and chilam (pipe with hashish) they spend time in prayers and meditation. arrives. During Kumbh Mela, the Naga sadhus bless those who come to them.

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.
2010 April 28 Haridwar Hindus Jan 14 Kumbh Mela Festival North India UK ash auspicious banks of river Ganga bath biggest religious gathering devotees dust hindu kumbh mela malal naga millions mud naga sadhu naked pilgrims religious river banks royal baths rudrakash sand shahi snan smeared snan uttarakhand wash sins white hair
Monk with long hair and many rudraksh malas walking towards the ghats 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.
2010 April 28 Haridwar Hindus Jan 14 Kumbh Mela Festival North India UK ash auspicious banks of river Ganga bath biggest religious gathering devotees forehead hindu kumbh mela long hair mala millions pilgrims religious river banks royal baths rudrakash shahi snan snan uttarakhand wash sins
Side activities, discourses and other religious-related events 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.
2010 April 28 Haridwar Hindus Jan 14 Kumbh Mela Festival North India UK auspicious banks of river Ganga bath biggest religious gathering devotees hindu kumbh mela millions pilgrims religious river banks royal baths shahi snan snan uttarakhand wash sins
Many non-Indians come to the Naga sadhus for guidance, dhiksha, or just blessings. Some for mere curiocity and some even to share the hashish. A mixed bag, from which you get what you seek. This man and two ladies were from Romania and when I asked the man if he liked the Kumbh Mela, he said he "gained lots".

Naga sadhus (naked monks) renounce everything including cloths and rub ash and mud on their bodies. They live only in prayers. Typically with a dhuni (fireplace) in front and chilam (pipe with hashish) they spend time in prayers and meditation. arrives. During Kumbh Mela, the Naga sadhus bless those who come to them.

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.
2010 April 28 Haridwar Hindus Jan 14 Kumbh Mela Festival North India UK auspicious banks of river Ganga bath biggest religious gathering devotees hindu kumbh mela millions pilgrims religious river banks royal baths shahi snan snan uttarakhand wash sins
The monk in the foreground from Gujarat has been standing on one leg for over 7 years. While he changes legs (takes turns) its his way of penance.

Naga sadhus (naked monks) renounce everything including cloths and rub ash and mud on their bodies. They live only in prayers. Typically with a dhuni (fireplace) in front and chilam (pipe with hashish) they spend time in prayers and meditation. arrives. During Kumbh Mela, the Naga sadhus bless those who come to them.

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 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.
2010 April 28 Haridwar Hindus Jan 14 Kumbh Mela Festival North India UK auspicious banks of river Ganga bath biggest religious gathering devotees hindu kumbh mela millions pilgrims religious river banks royal baths shahi snan snan uttarakhand wash sins
Hawan at Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar. A fire pyre with wood and assorted things at the ghat.

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.
2010 April 28 Haridwar Hindus Jan 14 Kumbh Mela Festival North India UK auspicious banks of river Ganga bath biggest religious gathering devotees hindu kumbh mela millions pilgrims religious river banks royal baths shahi snan snan uttarakhand wash sins
Temple at the Hari Ki Paudi ghat in Haridwar. Writing on the wal says "Pracheen Mandir" (Ancient Temple) of Annapurn Maa Chamundi Devi, Shri Satyanarayan Bhagwan.

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.
2010 Ancient Temple Annapurn Maa Chamundi Devi April 28 Haridwar Hindus Jan 14 Kumbh Mela Festival North India Pracheen Mandir Shri Satyanarayan Bhagwan UK auspicious banks of river Ganga bath biggest religious gathering devotees hindu kumbh mela millions pilgrims religious river banks royal baths shahi snan snan uttarakhand wash sins
Mother & son after the bathing, and puja at Har Ki Pauri, Hardiwar.

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.
2010 April 28 Haridwar Hindus Jan 14 Kumbh Mela Festival North India UK auspicious banks of river Ganga bath biggest religious gathering devotees hindu kumbh mela millions pilgrims religious river banks royal baths shahi snan snan uttarakhand wash sins
People sing devotional songs and that keeps their mind focussed on the religious side of the long and ardous trip.

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.
2010 April 28 Haridwar Hindus Jan 14 Kumbh Mela Festival North India UK auspicious banks of river Ganga bath biggest religious gathering devotees hindu kumbh mela millions pilgrims religious river banks royal baths shahi snan snan uttarakhand wash sins
Red is considered an auspicious colour and red powder applied to the parted hairline is a sign of marriage. Lal tikka (red dot) is also a form of blessing, so red power and power of other colours is widely available on the street shops.

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.
2010 April 28 Haridwar Hindus Jan 14 Kumbh Mela Festival North India UK auspicious banks of river Ganga bath biggest religious gathering devotees hindu kumbh mela millions pilgrims religious river banks royal baths shahi snan snan uttarakhand wash sins
Small copper/brass vessels being sold in the street shops. These vessels are used to lift off small quantities of water to pour as a form of prayer. The vessels are taken back as a form of blessed item.

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.
brass copper pot blessed cup kumbh mela Haridwar Kumbh Mela Festival biggest religious gathering banks of river Ganga pilgrims Hindu Hindus religious bath snan wash sins auspicious millions Jan 14 April 28 2010 shahi snan royal baths devotees river banks UK Uttarakhand North India
Plastic cans being sold for carrying Ganga-jal (water from river Ganga) back with the pilgrims.
It is believed that Ganga water has medicinal and spiritual powers to cleanse.
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 mela Haridwar Kumbh Mela Festival biggest religious gathering banks of river Ganga pilgrims Hindu Hindus religious bath snan wash sins auspicious millions Jan 14 April 28 2010 shahi snan royal baths devotees river banks UK Uttarakhand North India
Assorted items on sale on the streets 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.
2010 April 28 Haridwar Hindus Jan 14 Kumbh Mela Festival North India UK auspicious banks of river Ganga bath biggest religious gathering devotees hindu kumbh mela millions pilgrims religious river banks royal baths shahi snan snan uttarakhand wash sins
Assorted items on sale on the streets 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.
2010 April 28 Haridwar Hindus Jan 14 Kumbh Mela Festival North India UK auspicious banks of river Ganga bath biggest religious gathering devotees hindu kumbh mela millions pilgrims religious river banks royal baths shahi snan snan uttarakhand wash sins
Saloon for a quick shave/hair cut on the street side 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 mela Haridwar Kumbh Mela Festival biggest religious gathering banks of river Ganga pilgrims Hindu Hindus religious bath snan wash sins auspicious millions Jan 14 April 28 2010 shahi snan royal baths devotees river banks UK Uttarakhand North India
Ariel view of Har 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.
2010 April 28 Haridwar Hindus Jan 14 Kumbh Mela Festival North India UK ariel arield view auspicious banks of river Ganga bath biggest religious gathering devotees hindu kumbh mela millions pilgrims religious river banks royal baths shahi snan snan uttarakhand wash sins
Night view of Haridwar. Haridwar was lite up for the Kumbh Mela. April 2010.

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.
2010 April 28 Haridwar Hindus Jan 14 Kumbh Mela Festival North India UK auspicious banks of river Ganga bath biggest religious gathering devotees hindu kumbh mela lights millions night pano panoramic panoramic image pilgrims religious river banks royal baths shahi snan snan uttarakhand wash sins wide shot
Panoramic night view of Haridwar at the time of Kumbh Mela in April, 2010.

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.
2010 April 28 Haridwar Hindus Jan 14 Kumbh Mela Festival North India UK auspicious banks of river Ganga bath biggest religious gathering devotees hindu kumbh mela lights millions night nightshot nightview pano panoramic pilgrims religious river banks royal baths shahi snan snan uttarakhand view wash sins wide
Panoramic view of Haridwar in Apr'10 on the occasion of Kumb 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.
2010 April 28 Haridwar Hindus Jan 14 Kumbh Mela Festival North India Panoramic view UK auspicious banks of river Ganga bath biggest religious gathering devotees hindu kumbh mela millions pano panoramic pilgrims religious river banks royal baths shahi snan snan uttarakhand wash sins
Panoramic view of the 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.
2010 April 28 Haridwar Hindus Jan 14 Kumbh Mela Festival North India UK auspicious banks of river Ganga bath biggest religious gathering devotees hindu kumbh mela millions pano panoramic pilgrims religious river banks royal baths shahi snan snan uttarakhand view wash sins