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Pilgrims attending the Maha Kumbh Mela come from all strata of Indian society, but most are quite poor. Many can't afford the tents which charge 100 rupees ($1.15) for a simple foam mattress, and opt to sleep outside, or warm themselves with small fires, like those seen here on the bridge over the Ganges (Ganga) River.

Hindu pilgrims come to dip in the water at the confluence of the Ganga (Ganges) and Yamuna Rivers for the Maha Kumbh Mela. This Hindu festival is expected to attract an estimated 400 million people over six weeks when Jupiter, sun and moon are in a particular alignment with the constellations. The Maha Kumbh Mela takes place once every 12 years.

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Pilgrims attending the Maha Kumbh Mela come from all strata of Indian society, but most are quite poor. Many can't afford the tents which charge 100 rupees ($1.15) for a simple foam mattress, and opt to sleep outside, or warm themselves with small fires, like those seen here on the bridge over the Ganges (Ganga) River.<br /> <br /> Hindu pilgrims come to dip in the water at the confluence of the Ganga (Ganges) and Yamuna Rivers for the Maha Kumbh Mela. This Hindu festival is expected to attract an estimated 400 million people over six weeks when Jupiter, sun and moon are in a particular alignment with the constellations. The Maha Kumbh Mela takes place once every 12 years.

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