HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of people are gathering at the confluence of the Ganges and the Yamuna rivers in Allahabad, India on the opening day of the Kumbh Mela festival.
Described as one of the biggest gatherings of humanity this year, the event is expected to attract as many as 100 million people over the next 55 days.
The event is held every 12 years and is a Hindu festival that attracts those who believe that bathing in the water cleanses sins and brings salvation.
Its origins are in Hindu mythology and 12 years ago the festival attracted 40 million people, breaking the world record for the biggest human gathering.
BBC News reports that around 80 to 100 million people will gathering the 20 square kilometre area over the next two months with 80 million litres of drinking water, 35,000 toilets, 243 doctors and 30,000 police on hand for the event.
Here are some pictures from the last few days as people began gathering for the festival:
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