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In Allahabad, where the Yamuna, Ganges and the mystic Saraswati rivers intersect is considered a sacred site by all Hindus, who immerse themselves in these waters to cleanse themselves of sin, purify their karma and free themselves from what is seen as humanity’s interminable cycle of birth, death and rebirth. Every twelve years, Hindus celebrate Maha Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious festival. During the 2013 edition, over 100 million worshippers passed through this triangular piece of land over the course of less than a month. This is a gathering unparalleled in its scale, where a virtually unending stream of pilgrims of all ages and from every far-flung corner of the country, from believers to Hindu monks, congregate to pray, eat, sleep and perform ablutions, resulting in a breathtaking spectacle and creating an utterly indescribable atmosphere.