Maha Khumb Mela 2013
The Maha Khumb Mela is believed to be the oldest and largest spiritual gathering on Earth. It is part piligrimage and part festival, and is held every 12 years in the city of Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, Northern India. For 55 days the Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, becomes the site of pilgrimage of millions of Hindus. It is believed that having a bath during the Mela and the five holy dates to purify from sins, and it gives the blessing of peace and prosperity. In the occasion of the festival and entire city of tents is built on the site to facilitate the visitors. Divided in 14 sectors and 20 bathing gaths, it accommodates the devotes and the religious leaders, such as Sadhus and Babas, who are gathering to participate ad offer spiritual guidance. It is calculated that in 2013 nearly 100 Million people have visited the sacred sites in the two months period of the event.