Kumbh Mela is back with a bigger bang

HOLY TIME: Kumbh Mela is said to be in full bloom from the Makr Sankranti day.

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Allahabad: On a chilly Wednesday morning in January, the paush purnima snan marks the beginning of Ardh Kumbh and devotees from all over the country make a beeline for the holy dip except for the akhada sadhus who bathe only special days.

As the day passes, the number of devotees bathing in the Ganges increases from 12 to 20 lakh.

For spiritual seekers, the journey does not end with the holy dip. After their bath they come towards the ghat and offer donations to the help of the priests.

The mela administration has not taken any chances with the security. More than 10,000 police personnel have been deployed, bunkers made and the mela boundaries well guarded.

Come mid-January and it will be time for the holy dips again. January 14 and 15 will mark the Makr Sankranti Parv. January 15 will also be the day for the shahi snan where the naga sadhus will take centrestage.

Kumbh Mela is said to be in full bloom from Makr Sankranti day which means a bigger crowd and bigger challenges for the mela and of course, for the viewers, some exotic images.