ALLAHADAD, INDIA, March 9, 2007: Time magazine photographer Prashant Panjiar has documented the recently held Ardh Kumbha Mela in a series of stunning black and white photos. The festival lasts 45 days at the confluence of three holy rivers, the Ganges, Yamuna and the esoterically mystical Saraswati. An estimated 70 million pilgrims gathered for this year’s festival and Panjiar’s photos have captured both the sadhus and the millions of humble pilgrims come to bathe. This is an above-average photo essay and commentary highlighting the world’s largest spiritual gathering.
A daily summary of world news for Hindus and non-Hindus alike