The Mela, which runs until March 4, was recognised as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2017.The historic city was even renamed Prayagraj in October by the states government, stripping its centuries-old Muslim moniker and replacing it with an ancient Hindu title."More people are drawn to the Kumbh now," Ganeshanand Bharamachari, a 78-year-old pilgrim from nearby Varanasi and a Kumbh veteran, told AFP.
A tent city with restaurants, roads and marketplaces has sprung up along the river, with pilgrims camped out across a sprawling 45-square kilometre zone specially earmarked for the Kumbh. This is the most auspicious event for any human being," said Chandhans Pandey, a 60-year-old devotee."People, mostly from cities, are becoming increasingly religious because the western life they were living has not led them anywhere.Naked, dread-locked holy men smeared in ash and sadhus clad in saffron robes wander the crowds, offering blessings to pilgrims who have travelled from every corner of India for the ritual dip."The UP state government has heavily promoted this years Kumbh, which comes as ahead of general elections in April and May.
The confluence of the three -- known as Sangam -- is considered especially holy and Hindus believe bathing there during the Kumbh helps cleanse sins and brings salvation.Organisers are expecting the enormous spiritual festival in Allahabad to attract more than 100 million devotees over the next 48 days, with seas of pilgrims camped by the riverside."This pilgrimage gives me peace of mind and an opportunity to reflect on my life," said Sangeeta Gangotri, a pilgrim who travelled 650 China Portable Hammock for salekilometres from Nagpur in Maharashtra to Allahabad."All the Gods descend on this sacred place during this period."I have been planning to attend (for) many years.Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Allahabad in December to inaugurate a high-tech command centre to manage the Kumbh."The last major gathering in Allahabad in 2013 drew 120 million devotees, organizers said -- with 30 million plunging into the holy waters on a single auspicious day.Nearly 30,000 police have been deployed to oversee crowds for the huge undertaking, and prevent stampedes that have marred previous gatherings.The ancient city in Uttar Pradesh rises alongside the banks of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers.