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Striking, breathtaking visuals from Kumbh Mela

Last updated on: April 13, 2010 09:11 IST


Photographs: Reuben NV

The Purna Kumbh Mela in Haridwar, considered to be the world's largest religious gathering, is nearing its end. The four-month long affair will end with the Vaisakh Aadhimaas Purnima Snan on April 28.

We bring you some glittering and dazzling images from the Kumbh Mela.

Striking, breathtaking visuals from Kumbh Mela


Photographs: Reuben NV
Thousands of believers, worshippers and devotees gather at the ghaat for the Maha Snan. It is believed that a ritual dip in the holy river washes away the accumulated sins of one's lifetime.

Striking, breathtaking visuals from Kumbh Mela


Photographs: Reuben NV
Lakhs of people traveled from all across India to attend the Mela. It is usually held once in four years at Haridwar, Ujjwain, Allahabad or Nashik.

Striking, breathtaking visuals from Kumbh Mela


Photographs: Reuben NV
A man performs Pranayaam during the maha snan at Ganga.

Striking, breathtaking visuals from Kumbh Mela


Photographs: Reuben NV
Hundreds of policemen and CRPF personnel were deployed at the Mela to monitor the security situation and ensure law and order.

Striking, breathtaking visuals from Kumbh Mela


Photographs: Reuben NV
The Ganga dazzles in the reflected light of the Mela, as thousands gather around midnight to take a holy dip.

Striking, breathtaking visuals from Kumbh Me


Photographs: Reuben NV
Idols of gods and goddesses make their own statement at an ashram in Kumbh Mela.

Striking, breathtaking visuals from Kumbh Mela


Photographs: Reuben NV
These fancy SUVs are the preferred vehicles of the mahamandeleshwar or the senior sadhu in the ashram hierarchy.

Striking, breathtaking visuals from Kumbh Mela


Photographs: Reuben NV
A maha yagna at the Kumbh Mela pays homage to martyrs like freedom fighters Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad and the police officials who lost their lives in 26/11: Hemant Karkare, Ashok Kamte and Vijay Salaskar.

Striking, breathtaking visuals from Kumbh Mela


Photographs: Sheela Bhatt
These women, who have traveled all the way from Rajasthan to attend the Mela, are trying to figure out their way to the ghaat.

Striking, breathtaking visuals from Kumbh Mela


Photographs: Reuben NV
Ashram attendants prepare food for the scores of visitors who turn up during lunch time

Striking, breathtaking visuals from Kumbh Mela


Photographs: Reuben NV
The tents of various saints and holy men glitter in their full glory in the night.

Striking, breathtaking visuals from Kumbh Mela


Photographs: Reuben NV

Devotees congregate at the ghaat to attend a maha snan (ritual bath), the highlight of the Kumbh Mela.

The Ganga is considered to be at its purest in Haridwar, as it leaves its Himalayan abode and flows into the plains at this holy city.

Striking, breathtaking visuals from Kumbh Me


Photographs: Reuben NV
The Mela witnessed a variety of people, languages, colours and attires.

Striking, breathtaking visuals from Kumbh Mela


Photographs: Reuben NV
Life guards keep a watch on the lakhs of people who took a dip in Ganga Ma.

Striking, breathtaking visuals from Kumbh Mela


Photographs: Sheela Bhatt
After taking a holy dip, a devotee chooses an unique attire to mark the occasion.

Striking, breathtaking visuals from Kumbh Mela


Photographs: Reuben NV
A policeman takes a break from his daily duties to snap a photograph at the ghaat.