Kumbh Mela, Haridwar Apr 2010

Kumbh Mela, Haridwar. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India.

Small copper/brass vessels being sold in the street shops. These vessels are used to lift off small quantities of water to pour as a form of prayer. The vessels are taken back as a form of blessed item. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

Hindu prayers and poojas being conducted on the river bank of Ganga on the occasion of Kumbh Mela. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

Hindu prayers and poojas being conducted on the river bank of Ganga on the occasion of Kumbh Mela. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

Red is considered an auspicious colour and red powder applied to the parted hairline is a sign of marriage. Lal tikka (red dot) is also a form of blessing, so red power and power of other colours is widely available on the street shops. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

Various holy men come to Haridware for the Kumbh Mela and display their various "skills" and "powers". Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

Various holy men come to Haridware for the Kumbh Mela. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

Naga Sadhu blowing smoke after taking a deep puff with his chillam at Kumbh Mela, Haridwar. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. Haridwar, Uttarakhand. North India.

Blessings from the Naga sadhus (naked monks). Naga sadhus renounce everything including cloths and rub ash and mud on their bodies. They live only in prayers. Typically with a dhuni (fireplace) in front and chilam (pipe with hashish) they spend time in prayers and meditation. arrives. During Kumbh Mela, the Naga sadhus bless those who come to them. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. Haridwar, Uttarakhand. North India.

Naga sadhus (naked monks) who has been standing on one foot for seven years lights up and has a puff. These sadhus live only in prayers. Typically with a dhuni (fireplace) in front and chilam (pipe with hashish) they spend time in prayers and meditation. arrives. During Kumbh Mela, the Naga sadhus bless those who come to them. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

Beating drums and on horses and other vehicles arrive the procession of Naga sadhus who as per tradition have the first right of bathing in the holy Ganga on the occasion of Shahi Snan in Kumbh Mela. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

Naga sadhus dance and perform aerobic moves as they head to Har Ki Pauri for the holy dip. As per tradition they have the first right of bathing in the holy Ganga on the occasion of Shahi Snan in Kumbh Mela. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

With the beating of drums and on horses and other vehicles arrives the procession of Naga sadhus who as per tradition have the first right of bathing in the holy Ganga on the occasion of Shahi Snan in Kumbh Mela. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

People wave out and feel blessed if the Naga sadhus look, wave, or throw a flower at them. The sadhus slowly head to Har Ki Pauri for the holy dip. Pilgrims line on either side of the road for seeking blessings and para military forces provide security cover. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. Haridwar, Uttarakhand. North India.

The procession of Naga sadhus head to Har Ki Pauri for the holy dip. Pilgrims line on either side of the road for seeking blessings and para military forces provide security cover. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. Haridwar, Uttarakhand. North India.

The procession of Naga sadhus head to Har Ki Pauri for the holy dip. Pilgrims line on either side of the road for seeking blessings and para military forces provide security cover. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. Haridwar, Uttarakhand. North India.

Naga sadhus lined up at the Har Ki Pauri river bank waiting to plunge with frenzy into the river Ganga for their holy dip. Its orderly chaos. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. Haridwar, Uttarakhand. North India.

Naga sadhus (naked monks) jump into the river ganga with frenzy. As per tradition, the Naga sadhu's have the first right of bathing in the holy Ganga on the occasion of Kumbh Mela. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

Naga sadhus (naked monks) jump into the river ganga with frenzy. As per tradition, the Naga sadhu's have the first right of bathing in the holy Ganga on the occasion of Kumbh Mela. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

Naga sadhus (naked monks) jump into the river ganga with frenzy. As per tradition, the Naga sadhu's have the first right of bathing in the holy Ganga on the occasion of Kumbh Mela. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

Prayers being offered at the river ghats of the holy Ganga at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

Lady reciting prayers at the bank of the river Ganga at Haridwar. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

Various holy men come to Haridware for the Kumbh Mela. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

Colourful women from Rajasthan leaving Haridwar. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. Haridwar, Uttarakhand. North India.

Colourful women from Rajasthan leaving Haridwar. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. Haridwar, Uttarakhand. North India.

Various holy men in Haridwar. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. Haridwar, Uttarakhand. North India.

Swami Avdheshanand Giriji Maharaj of Prabhu Premi Sangh meeting people who have come to Haridwar. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. Haridwar, Uttarakhand. North India.

Swami Avdheshanand Giriji Maharaj of Prabhu Premi Sangh meeting people who have come to Haridwar. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. Haridwar, Uttarakhand. North India.

Ramkrishna Math in Haridwar. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. Haridwar, Uttarakhand. North India.

Taking a quick nap on the streets - literally any small area of land where there is no foot fall. Various holy men come to Haridware for the Kumbh Mela and display their various "skills" and "powers". Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

Panoramic night view of Haridwar at the time of Kumbh Mela in April, 2010. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India. The occasion draws pilgrims from around the world and severly overloads the infrastructure so most of the city is shut down for any vehicles other than security or emergency services so a sea of humanity walks through the city to get to the bathing ghats.

Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasiya and Suchit Nanda at the airport in Delhi. Flew togetherto Delhi and Jolly Grant Airport to go to Haridwar where Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasiyaji had a performance during the Kumbh Mela at Haridwar. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India.

Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasiya and Suchit Nanda at the airport in Delhi. Flew togetherto Delhi and Jolly Grant Airport to go to Haridwar where Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasiyaji had a performance during the Kumbh Mela at Haridwar. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India.

Due to the Shahi Snan, getting into Haridwar for the Kumbh Mela was a serious challenge as hundreds of thousands of pilgrims poured in. Took an Air India flight from Delhi to Jolly Grant, Dehradun and with a mix of Tempo, bus, rickshaw, train, bike-ride and walk, finally got into the city. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India.

View of the inside of a packed train while had people inside, outside (on top and sides) and in between carriages! Due to the Shahi Snan, getting into Haridwar for the Kumbh Mela was a serious challenge as hundreds of thousands of pilgrims poured in. Took an Air India flight from Delhi to Jolly Grant, Dehradun and with a mix of Tempo, bus, rickshaw, train, bike-ride and walk, finally got into the city. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India.

View of the inside of a packed train while had people inside, outside (on top and sides) and in between carriages! Due to the Shahi Snan, getting into Haridwar for the Kumbh Mela was a serious challenge as hundreds of thousands of pilgrims poured in. Took an Air India flight from Delhi to Jolly Grant, Dehradun and with a mix of Tempo, bus, rickshaw, train, bike-ride and walk, finally got into the city. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India.

View of the inside of a packed train while had people inside, outside (on top and sides) and in between carriages! Due to the Shahi Snan, getting into Haridwar for the Kumbh Mela was a serious challenge as hundreds of thousands of pilgrims poured in. Took an Air India flight from Delhi to Jolly Grant, Dehradun and with a mix of Tempo, bus, rickshaw, train, bike-ride and walk, finally got into the city. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India.

Evening before the biggest Shahi Snan on April 14, was crowded but the lull before the storm. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims poured into Haridware for the Kumbh Mela. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India.

Evening before the biggest Shahi Snan on April 14, was crowded but the lull before the storm. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims poured into Haridware for the Kumbh Mela. Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gatherings on the planet which takes places on the banks of the river Ganga. The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed around five million since the first day Jan 14 till the time it concludes on April 28, 2010. The auspicious days of the shahi snan or royal baths usually draw hundreds of thousands of devotees to the Har Ki Paudi and other banks of the river. Uttarakhand. North India.