Incredible Pictures Of Hindu Festival Kumbh Mela

Kumbh Mela is a mass Hindu pilgrimage of faith in which Hindus gather at a sacred river for a bath in the river. 100 million devotees are expected to gather. The festival is said to cost authorities $210 million but will create $2.2 billion in revenue. Kumbh Mela began on 14 January 2013 at PRAYAG (Allahabad).

Indian laborers pull a pontoon for a temporary bridge toward the Ganga river during preparations for Kumbh Mela

Hindu devotees take a dip at Sangam as others cross a makeshift bridge on the first day of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad on January 14, 2013.

A man dressed as Kali, the Hindu goddess of power, performs with a burning camphor tablet on his tongue

A Sadhu smoking Ganja (marijuana)

Holy men dry their hair after a dip

A Sadhu comforting a street dog!

Vaishnavite ( Worshiper of Vishnu)

Watch the legs of the Sadhu on the left, they are on top of his head!

Holy men carry a child adorned with marigold flowers on their shoulders!

A holy man stands naked next to a priest during an evening prayer ceremony known as Arti at Sangam!

A Shaivite ( Worshiper of Shiva)