Faces of Kumbh Mela - Allahabad, India.

A major Hindu pilgrimage, recognized as the world’s largest peaceful gathering.

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The festival’s name means “Festival of the Sacred Pitcher”.

Kumbh Mela is a centuries-old Hindu pilgrimage and spiritual gathering held cyclically at four sacred river sites in India, where millions bathe for purification and spiritual renewal, making it the largest religious gathering globally.

There are several variants: the full Kumbh Mela occurs every 12 years at each site; the Ardha (half) Kumbh Mela is every 6 years at Haridwar and Prayagraj; and the Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 144 years, is considered especially auspicious.

Trees of Deadvlei

Medieval Churches