12 million Hindu pilgrims begin to pour in for ritual bath in North India

Millions of Hindu pilgrims began to pour into Prayagraj in North India to take part in Kumbh Mela on January 15.

Indian officials expect over 12 million pilgrims to bathe at the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna rivers on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a prominent festival celebrated on January 15.

The event, ‘Shahi Snan’ or royal bath, also draws hundreds of thousands of Indian holymen.

Kumbh Mela that kicked off today will culminate on March 4 and is expected to draw over 150 million people – more than Russia’s population.

The venue dotted with colourful tents is spread over 3,200 hectares.

Devout Hindus believe that a ritual bath during Kumbh Mela will cleanse their sins and help them attain salvation.