Kumbh Mela: Because the world is here
'Chalo Kumbh Chale' is the slogan and also the mantra for peace maybe for thousands of visitors who arrived here Monday for the Kumbh mela, the largest congregation in the world, and walked for miles as they made their way to the Sangam for a ritual dip in the waters.
The confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati has called out to the religious for centuries, and it was so on Monday as well.
While Tuesday is when the fair officially begins on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, one of the sacred bathing days of the 50-day Kumbh, pilgrims made a beeline for the holy waters on Monday as well.
Due to the huge number of people expected to take part in the mela, the administration has restricted the entry of all types of vehicles -- other than those required for essential services -- in the vicinity of Kumbh Nagari, the sprawling 32,000 hectare township that has come up on the banks of the river.
"Anand aa raha hai (I am feeling real contentment)," said 55-year-old Pramod ...