It is about poverty. And apathy. And perhaps the most confusing of it all, it is about blind faith. The belief that a dip in the cold, poisonous waters will grant you absolution. Here are images from the Kumbh Mela.
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An estimated 30 million people visited the Maha Kumbh Mela on 10th February 2013. Trilok Sengupta
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One of the world’s oldest religious festivals, it’s about millions hypnotised by faith who walk for days to brave sub zero temperatures. Trilok Sengupta
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The Naga Sadhus sometimes break into inpromptu chants of Har Har Mahadev just to keep the rapidly declining adrenaline pumping. They have miles to go. Trilok Sengupta
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At the Sangam, there are people everywhere. Trilok Sengupta.
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You cannot walk past them without looking at some of their expressionless faces. Trilok Sengupta
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A father-son duo walk at the Kumbh Mela. Trilok Sengupta
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Kumbh is a fantastic exhibition of poverty. Trilok Sengupta
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The Naga Babas, the monks, the elephants and the horses and the noise and the mayhem. Trilok Sengupta