Kumbh Mela 2019: Millions expected to participate in eight-week festival; authorities set up temporary bridges, mass kitchens
Pilgrims from across the world gathered for the Kumbh Mela, a mix of spirituality, politics and tourism that began on Tuesday. Reuters
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Pilgrims from across the world gathered for the Kumbh Mela, a mix of spirituality, politics and tourism that began on Tuesday. Reuters
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During the eight-week festival in Prayagraj authorities expect up to 150 million people to bathe at the confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna, and a mythical third river, the Saraswati. Reuters
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On Tuesday, pilgrims led by naked, ash-smeared ascetics, some of whom live in caves, plunged into the cold waters during the first ‘Shahi Snan’ or royal bath. PTI
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Ahead of the festival, pilgrims moved towards temporary ashrams built of corrugated iron and canvas, many bedecked with fairy lights, on the east bank of the Ganga. Reuters
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The Hindu culture believes that bathing in the waters of the Ganga absolves people of sins; and bathing at the time of the Kumbh Mela, brings salvation from the cycle of life and death. Saurabh Sharma/101 Reporters
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Authorities have set up temporary bridges, 600 mass kitchens and more than 100,000 portable toilets in a pop-up city at the confluence of the rivers, which is known as the sangam. PTI
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A cooking gas cylinder exploded in a tent at one of the areas on Monday, and triggered a massive fire. No loss of life or injury was reported. PTI
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This year’s event comes at a critical time for the ruling BJP party which is expected to face a tough contest in a general election due by May. Saurabh Sharma/101 Reporters
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