Tens of thousands of Hindus seeking absolution of their sins immersed themselves at the confluence of sacred rivers as India began a six-week festival expected to draw the world’s largest gathering of humanity.
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Held every 12 years, the Maha Kumbh Mela, or Great Pitcher Festival, as the religious event in the city of Prayagraj in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh is called, attracts more than 400 million visitors, both Indians and tourists.
As many as 40,000 police officers are on guard to provide security and help manage the crowds, while surveillance cameras equipped with artificial intelligence capabilities will ensure continuous monitoring.
“It is our festival,” said ascetic Hazari Lala Mishra, who immersed himself before sunrise, which is considered an auspicious time, on January 13. “(It is) the only festival for hermits and monks, and we wait for it desperately.”
Authorities expected the first ritual dip to draw more than 2.5 million visitors, followed by a “royal bath” on January 14 – reserved for ascetics in the belief that it absolves them of sin and confers salvation from the cycle of life and death.