2015 Kumbh Mela

The Kumbh Mela derives its name from a mythical fight over a pitcher of holy nectar.

 According to Hindu mythology, gods and demons waged a furious battle over the nectar they needed to achieve immortality.

Four drops spilled, landing in the four cities that alternatively host the festival:
Allahabad, at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythic Saraswati rivers;
Haridwar, on the banks of the Ganges;
Ujjain, in central India; and
 Nasik.

The festival is held four times every 12 years

Millions are expected to attend this year's two-month festival, which began in mid-July 2015 and runs until the end of September 2015

Hindu devotees take holy dip in the River Godavari on the first official day of bathing as part of Kumbh Mela celebrations in Nasik, Maharashtra,India, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2015.  

 

Indian pilgrims offer prayers as they perform rituals in the Godavari River during Kumbh Mela, or Pitcher Festival, in Nasik, Maharashtra,India, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2015

Hindus believe taking a dip in the waters of a holy river during the Kumbh Mela or Pitcher Festival, will cleanse them of their sins. Wednesday marked the first day of bathing for those attending this year's festival 

Naga sadhus, or naked Hindu holy men participate in a procession during Kumbh Mela, or Pitcher festival, at Trimbakeshwar in Nasik, India, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2015