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    For some who have travelled on foot and by trains from across the country to undertake this holy journey, sleeping under the open sky with their luggage guarding them is the only option they can afford. With an overflow of pilgrims at Kumbh 2013, the free rest homes for the poor filled up fast in the first few days. As night falls, the milling crowd settles down on the grounds, families cook & eat a simple meal while the men light a fire, huddle together and smoke a 'bidi' to warm themselves up Views[380] As the auspicious evening prayers begin, the whole makeshift 'Kumbh City' lights up, casting a golden glow in the water as boats and ferries transport people back ashore from the holy confluence where water from three rivers meet. The surging million strong crowd, I found, can be overwhelming & yet, peaceful and intoxicatingly beautiful. Views[306] As I roamed about the lanes of the makeshift 'Kumbh City' searching for the Sadhavi (Female Sadhu) camps someone told us about, I bumped into her. Long matted hair tied up in a bun, a cigarette in hand, she spoke of living life without materialistic burdens. Here she proudly poses for my camera as a lady vendor selling amulets looks on. She hailed from Guwahti in eastern India. Female Sadhus or 'sadhavi' as they are called, form a small but significant group at Kumbh. Views[549] Standing in the middle of a rare clearing, a young lad looks at the crowded 'ghats' (riverbank) as millions of people throng the largest religious congregation in the world. Behind him the clear blue of a February sky is punctuated by lamposts running along the riverbank as the noon sun blazes on. Maha Kumbh Mela, Allahabad, India 2013 Views[318] A child dressed up as the Hindu God Shiva poses for alms as pilgrims pass her by on the sandy riverbank. Shiva is popularly depicted with a greyish-blue skin palor & dressed in tiger skin. He is one of the three most influential denominations in Hinduism. The auspicious Maha Kumbh festival takes place once in 12 years and attracts the rich and poor alike. Maha Kumbh Mela, Allahabad, India 2013 Views[1088]
     

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