ALLAHABAD, INDIA, January 7, 2001: Pilgrims have begun arriving in the northern Indian town of Allahabad for Hinduism’s most important spiritual gathering, which is expected to attract at least 70 million people over the next 42 days. The Kumbh Mela takes place every 12 years and sees millions of devotees bathe in the Ganga to purify their sins. The numbers in Allahabad are steadily growing as Tuesday approaches, itself an auspicious bathing day. For many, the bathing has already started, as they immerse themselves in the river, despite the bitter cold. Police posts have been set up and security measures have been drawn up to ensure the safety of the pilgrims.
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