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Kumbh Mela in Hardiwar & Ujjain, India

115 images Created 21 Mar 2013

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  • Every 12 years, millions of devout Hindus celebrate the month-long festival of Kumbh Mela by bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges at Hardiwar, India. Hundreds of ashrams set up dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Under the watchful eye of police and lifeguards, the faithful throng to bathe in the river.
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  • Every 12 years, millions of devout Hindus celebrate the month-long festival of Kumbh Mela by bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges at Hardiwar, India. Hundreds of ashrams set up dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Under the watchful eye of police and lifeguards, the faithful throng to bathe in the river.
    IND_072_xs.jpg
  • Every 12 years, millions of devout Hindus celebrate the month-long festival of Kumbh Mela by bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges at Hardiwar, India. Hundreds of ashrams set up dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Under the watchful eye of police and lifeguards, the faithful throng to bathe in the river.
    IND_073_xs.jpg
  • Every 12 years, millions of devout Hindus celebrate the month-long festival of Kumbh Mela by bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges at Hardiwar, India. Hundreds of ashrams set up dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Under the watchful eye of police and lifeguards, the faithful throng to bathe in the river.
    IND_074_xs.jpg
  • Every 12 years, millions of devout Hindus celebrate the month-long festival of Kumbh Mela by bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges at Hardiwar, India. Hundreds of ashrams set up dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Under the watchful eye of police and lifeguards, the faithful throng to bathe in the river.
    IND_075_xs.jpg
  • Every 12 years, millions of devout Hindus celebrate the month-long festival of Kumbh Mela by bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges at Hardiwar, India. Hundreds of ashrams set up dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Under the watchful eye of police and lifeguards, the faithful throng to bathe in the river.
    IND_076_xs.jpg
  • Kumbh Mela Festival, Hardiwar, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar.  Participants of the Mela gather to cleanse themselves spiritually by bathing in the waters of India's sacred rivers.
    IND_077_xs.jpg
  • Kumbh Mela Festival, Hardiwar, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar.  Participants of the Mela gather to cleanse themselves spiritually by bathing in the waters of India's sacred rivers.
    IND_078_xs.jpg
  • Every 12 years, millions of devout Hindus celebrate the month-long festival of Kumbh Mela by bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges at Hardiwar, India. Hundreds of ashrams set up dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Under the watchful eye of police and lifeguards, the faithful throng to bathe in the river. Here, across the river, a ghat is dedicated to sadhus and nagas so they can bathe in relative peace.
    IND_079_xs.jpg
  • Every 12 years, millions of devout Hindus celebrate the month-long festival of Kumbh Mela by bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges at Hardiwar, India. Hundreds of ashrams set up dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Under the watchful eye of police and lifeguards, the faithful throng to bathe in the river. Here, across the river, a ghat is dedicated to sadhus and nagas so they can bathe in relative peace.
    IND_080_xs.jpg
  • Every 12 years, millions of devout Hindus celebrate the month-long festival of Kumbh Mela by bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges at Hardiwar, India. Hundreds of ashrams set up dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Under the watchful eye of police and lifeguards, the faithful throng to bathe in the river. Here, across the river, a ghat is dedicated to sadhus and nagas so they can bathe in relative peace.
    IND_081_xs.jpg
  • Every 12 years, millions of devout Hindus celebrate the month-long festival of Kumbh Mela by bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges at Hardiwar, India. Hundreds of ashrams set up dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Under the watchful eye of police and lifeguards, the faithful throng to bathe in the river. Here, across the river, a ghat is dedicated to sadhus and nagas so they can bathe in relative peace.
    IND_082_xs.jpg
  • Naked nagas parading down to the Ganges for a bath. Every 12 years, millions of devout Hindus celebrate the month-long festival of Kumbh Mela by bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges at Hardiwar, India. Hundreds of ashrams set up dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Under the watchful eye of police and lifeguards, the faithful throng to bathe in the river.
    IND_083_xs.jpg
  • Naked nagas parading down to the Ganges for a bath. Every 12 years, millions of devout Hindus celebrate the month-long festival of Kumbh Mela by bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges at Hardiwar, India. Hundreds of ashrams set up dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Under the watchful eye of police and lifeguards, the faithful throng to bathe in the river.
    IND_084_xs.jpg
  • Every 12 years, millions of devout Hindus celebrate the month-long festival of Kumbh Mela by bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges at Hardiwar, India. Hundreds of ashrams set up dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Under the watchful eye of police and lifeguards, the faithful throng to bathe in the river. Here, across the river, a ghat is dedicated to sadhus and nagas so they can bathe in relative peace.
    IND_085_xs.jpg
  • Every 12 years, millions of devout Hindus celebrate the month-long festival of Kumbh Mela by bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges at Hardiwar, India. Hundreds of ashrams set up dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Under the watchful eye of police and lifeguards, the faithful throng to bathe in the river. Here, across the river, a ghat is dedicated to sadhus and nagas so they can bathe in relative peace.
    IND_086_xs.jpg
  • Every 12 years, millions of devout Hindus celebrate the month-long festival of Kumbh Mela by bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges at Hardiwar, India. Hundreds of ashrams set up dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Under the watchful eye of police and lifeguards, the faithful throng to bathe in the river.
    IND_087_xs.jpg
  • Naked nagas parading down to the Ganges for a bath. Every 12 years, millions of devout Hindus celebrate the month-long festival of Kumbh Mela by bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges at Hardiwar, India. Hundreds of ashrams set up dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Under the watchful eye of police and lifeguards, the faithful throng to bathe in the river.
    IND_088_xs.jpg
  • Every 12 years, millions of devout Hindus celebrate the month-long festival of Kumbh Mela by bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges at Hardiwar, India. Hundreds of ashrams set up dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Under the watchful eye of police and lifeguards, the faithful throng to bathe in the river.
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  • Pilgrims warm themselves in the predawn chill on the bank of the Ganges. Every 12 years, millions of devout Hindus celebrate the month-long festival of Kumbh Mela by bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges at Hardiwar, India. Hundreds of ashrams set up dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Under the watchful eye of police and lifeguards, the faithful throng to bathe in the river.
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  • A pilgrim feeds a sacred cow in the street left over chapattis. Every 12 years, millions of devout Hindus celebrate the month-long festival of Kumbh Mela by bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges at Hardiwar, India. Hundreds of ashrams set up dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Under the watchful eye of police and lifeguards, the faithful throng to bathe in the river.
    IND_091_xs.jpg
  • Carnival at Kumbh Mela. Every 12 years, millions of devout Hindus celebrate the month-long festival of Kumbh Mela by bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges at Hardiwar, India. Hundreds of ashrams set up dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Under the watchful eye of police and lifeguards, the faithful throng to bathe in the river.
    IND_092_xs.jpg
  • Pilgrims at Kumbh Mela. Every 12 years, millions of devout Hindus celebrate the month-long festival of Kumbh Mela by bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges at Hardiwar, India. Hundreds of ashrams set up dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Under the watchful eye of police and lifeguards, the faithful throng to bathe in the river.
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  • Pilgrims jamming the trains in Hardiwar station. Every 12 years, millions of devout Hindus celebrate the month-long festival of Kumbh Mela by bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges at Hardiwar, India. Hundreds of ashrams set up dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Under the watchful eye of police and lifeguards, the faithful throng to bathe in the river.
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  • A pilgrim sleeps on the walkway over other pilgrims jamming the trains in Hardiwar station. Every 12 years, millions of devout Hindus celebrate the month-long festival of Kumbh Mela by bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges at Hardiwar, India. Hundreds of ashrams set up dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Under the watchful eye of police and lifeguards, the faithful throng to bathe in the river.
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  • A pilgrim reads holy scriptures on the banks of the Ganges before dawn. Every 12 years, millions of devout Hindus celebrate the month-long festival of Kumbh Mela by bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges at Hardiwar, India. Hundreds of ashrams set up dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Under the watchful eye of police and lifeguards, the faithful throng to bathe in the river.
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  • A naga covered in ash stirs a large kettle of food for pilgrims at Kumbh Mela.  Every 12 years, millions of devout Hindus celebrate the month-long festival of Kumbh Mela by bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges at Hardiwar, India. Hundreds of ashrams set up dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Under the watchful eye of police and lifeguards, the faithful throng to bathe in the river.
    IND_097_xs.jpg
  • A desert dust storm whips the tents and flags of a pilgrim camp at Kumbh Mela. Every 12 years, millions of devout Hindus celebrate the month-long festival of Kumbh Mela by bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges at Hardiwar, India. Hundreds of ashrams set up dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Under the watchful eye of police and lifeguards, the faithful throng to bathe in the river.
    IND_098_xs.jpg
  • Portrait of a naga who has been smoking hash at Kumbh Mela.  Every 12 years, millions of devout Hindus celebrate the month-long festival of Kumbh Mela by bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges at Hardiwar, India. Hundreds of ashrams set up dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Under the watchful eye of police and lifeguards, the faithful throng to bathe in the river.
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  • Portrait of a holy man praying at Kumbh Mela.  Every 12 years, millions of devout Hindus celebrate the month-long festival of Kumbh Mela by bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges at Hardiwar, India. Hundreds of ashrams set up dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Under the watchful eye of police and lifeguards, the faithful throng to bathe in the river.
    IND_101_xs.jpg
  • Hardiwar, India; Ganges, Kumbh Mela Festival. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar.  Participants of the Mela gather to cleanse themselves spiritually by bathing in the waters of India's sacred rivers.
    IND_100_xs.jpg
  • Portrait of a naga who is smoking hash and tobacco in a clay chillum pipe at Kumbh Mela.  Every 12 years, millions of devout Hindus celebrate the month-long festival of Kumbh Mela by bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges at Hardiwar, India. Hundreds of ashrams set up dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Under the watchful eye of police and lifeguards, the faithful throng to bathe in the river.
    IND_102_xs.jpg
  • Portrait of a naga who is covered in ash at Kumbh Mela.  Every 12 years, millions of devout Hindus celebrate the month-long festival of Kumbh Mela by bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges at Hardiwar, India. Hundreds of ashrams set up dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Under the watchful eye of police and lifeguards, the faithful throng to bathe in the river.
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  • The crowded Ujjain train station during Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar.  Participants of the Mela gather to cleanse themselves spiritually by bathing in the waters of India's sacred rivers.
    IND_040421_001_x.jpg
  • A crowd gathers before dawn on a bridge over the Shipra River which flows through the holy city of Ujjain, in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh during the Hindu festival of Kumbh Mela. Every 12 years, millions of devout Hindus celebrate the month-long festival of Kumbh Mela by bathing in the Shipras holy waters. Hundreds of ashrams set up dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Under the watchful eye of police and lifeguards, the Patkar family of Ujjain, India join the faithful throng in the cool of the evening and bathe in the river, too. Hungry Planet: What the World Eats (p. 169).
    IND_040419_001_x.jpg
  • A crowd gathers before dawn on a bridge over the Shipra River which flows through the holy city of Ujjain, in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh during the Hindu festival of Kumbh Mela. Every 12 years, millions of devout Hindus celebrate the month-long festival of Kumbh Mela by bathing in the Shipras holy waters. Hundreds of ashrams set up dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Under the watchful eye of police and lifeguards, the Patkar family of Ujjain, India join the faithful throng in the cool of the evening and bathe in the river, too. Hungry Planet: What the World Eats (p. 169).
    IND_040419_002_x.jpg
  • Pilgrims bathing in the Shipra River at the Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar.  Participants of the Mela gather to cleanse themselves spiritually by bathing in the waters of India's sacred rivers.  Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world.  Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040419_005_x.jpg
  • Sadhus (Hindu ascetics) congregate to bathe in the Shipra River during the Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar.  Participants of the Mela gather to cleanse themselves spiritually by bathing in the waters of India's sacred rivers.  Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world.  Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040422_012_x.jpg
  • Nagas (Hindu ascetics who are followers of Sadhus) congregate to bathe in the Shipra River during the Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar.  Participants of the Mela gather to cleanse themselves spiritually by bathing in the waters of India's sacred rivers. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world.  Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors..
    IND_040422_007_x.jpg
  • Nagas (Hindu ascetics who are followers of Sadhus) congregate to bathe in the Shipra River during the Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar.  Participants of the Mela gather to cleanse themselves spiritually by bathing in the waters of India's sacred rivers.  Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world.  Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040422_009_x.jpg
  • Nagas (Hindu ascetics who are followers of Sadhus) congregate to bathe in the Shipra River during the Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar.  Participants of the Mela gather to cleanse themselves spiritually by bathing in the waters of India's sacred rivers.  Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world.  Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040422_008_x.jpg
  • Nagas (Hindu ascetics who are followers of Sadhus) congregate to bathe in the Shipra River during the Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar.  Participants of the Mela gather to cleanse themselves spiritually by bathing in the waters of India's sacred rivers. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world.  Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040422_010_x.jpg
  • Pilgrims performing ceremonies on the banks of the Shipra River while bating during Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar.  Participants of the Mela gather to cleanse themselves spiritually by bathing in the waters of India's sacred rivers. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world.  Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040419_006_x.jpg
  • Early morning swim of nagas on the banks of the Shipra River on an auspicious day for bathing during Kumbh Mela in Ujjain, India. After a dip in the river they rub ashes on their naked bodies...The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar.  Participants of the Mela gather to cleanse themselves spiritually by bathing in the waters of India's sacred rivers. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world.  Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040422_019_x.jpg
  • Early morning swim of nagas on the banks of the Shipra River on an auspicious day for bathing during Kumbh Mela in Ujjain, India. After a dip in the river they rub ashes on their naked bodies. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar.  Participants of the Mela gather to cleanse themselves spiritually by bathing in the waters of India's sacred rivers. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040422_018_x.jpg
  • Lines of nagas head for an early morning swim in the Shipra River on an auspicious day for bathing during the Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar. Participants of the Mela gather to cleanse themselves spiritually by bathing in the waters of India's sacred rivers. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040422_014_x.jpg
  • Early morning swim of nagas on the banks of the Shipra River on an auspicious day for bathing during Kumbh Mela in Ujjain, India. After a dip in the river they rub ashes on their naked bodies. Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar.  Participants of the Mela gather to cleanse themselves spiritually by bathing in the waters of India's sacred rivers. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040422_017_x.jpg
  • Early morning swim of nagas on the banks of the Shipra River on an auspicious day for bathing during Kumbh Mela in Ujjain, India. After a dip in the river they rub ashes on their naked bodies...Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar.  Participants of the Mela gather to cleanse themselves spiritually by bathing in the waters of India's sacred rivers. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040422_016_x.jpg
  • Pilgrims performing ceremonies on the banks of the Shipra River while bating during Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar.  Participants of the Mela gather to cleanse themselves spiritually by bathing in the waters of India's sacred rivers. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040419_003_x.jpg
  • Bathing in the Shipra River during Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar.  Participants of the Mela gather to cleanse themselves spiritually by bathing in the waters of India's sacred rivers. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040422_013_x.jpg
  • Betel nut vendor takes a drink of water between customers in Varanasi, India. Betel nut is a mildly narcotic seed eaten with lime paste and a green leaf. Over time it decays the teeth and dyes the mouth of the user red. Although it's not considered a food, it is a plant item chewed by many all over Asia, and kept in the mouth like chewing tobacco. (From a photographic gallery of street images, in Hungry Planet: What the World Eats, p. 131).
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  • A parade during the Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar.  Participants of the Mela gather to cleanse themselves spiritually by bathing in the waters of India's sacred rivers. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors..
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  • A Sadhu (Hindu ascetics) with his naga followers on a float during a parade during the Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar.  Participants of the Mela gather to cleanse themselves spiritually by bathing in the waters of India's sacred rivers. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040422_004_x.jpg
  • Preparing boondi in Ujjain, India, at one of the camps at the Kumbh Mela site. Every camp had its own large/small kitchen where food is prepared for people residing in that particular camp as well as outsiders who would walk in and out for lunch/dinner. Boondi can be a savory preparation or even sweet. A thin consistency dough is prepared using gram flour, water and spices. This boondi can be made sweet by putting in sugar syrup (prepared separately) and soaked in the syrup. (Supporting image from the project Hungry Planet: What the World Eats). The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar.
    IND_040423_017_x.jpg
  • A man practices yoga along the street of pilgrims during the Kumbh Mela Festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India.  The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world.  Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.  During the festival hundreds of ashrams set up free cafeterias and dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Thousands of Hindu pilgrims file past the different groups on the way to and from the river and their own dusty camps.
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  • For treats, the Patkar family frequents a downtown shop that makes khova (partially caramelized condensed milk), a key ingredient in Indian sweets. Hungry Planet: What the World Eats (p. 170).
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  • Ascetic sadhu holy men and other Hindu pilgrims eat a lunch of potato curry, dal, and chapatis provided by a local ashram during the Kumbh Mela festival in Ujjain, India. (Supporting image from the project Hungry Planet: What the World Eats).
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  • Ascetic sadhu holy men eat a lunch of potato curry, dal, and chapatis provided by a local ashram during the kumbh mela festival in Ujjain, India. (From a photographic gallery of meals in Hungry Planet: What the World Eats, p. 244).
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  • Hindu pilgrims cook simple meals of fried dough balls during the Kumbh Mela festival in Ujjain, India. (Supporting image from the project Hungry Planet: What the World Eats).
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  • A baker in Ujjain, India, drips milky sweet topping onto sweet fried dough to sell to passersby. He and other vendors reaps the benefits of the arrival of millions of pilgrims for the once-every-12-year occurrence of Kumbh Mela festival in Ujjain for observant Hindus.(Supporting image from the project Hungry Planet: What the World Eats)
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  • Food stall for the Indian / Chinese fast food dishes in the town square in Ujjain, India. Three dishes are written on the red board above - Gobi Manchurian (gobi=cauliflower), veg noodles and paneer (cottage cheese) chilli. What is currently being prepared on this mobile food cart is 'pav bhaji' Pav literally means 'bun-bread', which is what is seen on the big iron plate on the left side. 'Bhaji' is a mixture of a few different vegetables - onions, potatoes, tomatoes, cauliflower, cabbage, eggplant, carrots, peas, etc.. Lying in the middle of the two iron plates, are bread base for pizzas. (Supporting image from the project Hungry Planet: What the World Eats)
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  • A drink vendor in Ujjain. (Supporting image from the project Hungry Planet: What the World Eats.)
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  • Cow urine elixir, popular in India, is touted as a cure-all. (Supporting image from the project Hungry Planet: What the World Eats.)
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  • Ascetic sadhu holy men and other Hindu pilgrims eat a lunch of potato curry, dal, and chapatis provided by a local ashram during the Kumbh Mela festival in Ujjain, India. (Supporting image from the project Hungry Planet: What the World Eats).
    IND04_9642_xf1b.jpg
  • Preparing boondi in Ujjain, India, at one of the camps at the Kumbh Mela site. Every camp had its own large/small kitchen where food is prepared for people residing in that particular camp as well as outsiders who would walk in and out for lunch/dinner. Boondi can be a savory preparation or even sweet. A thin, consistency dough is prepared using gram flour, water and spices. The man is pouring this dough through a big iron sieve which has holes in it so the dough falls in the form of drops in the hot oil and this is then fried. What comes out is the savory boondi. This boondi can be made sweet by putting in sugar syrup (prepared separately). (Supporting image from the project Hungry Planet: What the World Eats)..
    IND04_9688_xf1b.jpg
  • Preparing boondi in Ujjain, India, at one of the camps at the Kumbh Mela site. Every camp had its own large/small kitchen where food is prepared for people residing in that particular camp as well as outsiders who would walk in and out for lunch/dinner. Boondi can be a savory preparation or even sweet. A thin consistency dough is prepared using gram flour, water and spices. The man is pouring this dough through a big iron sieve which has holes in it so the dough falls in the form of drops in the hot oil and this is then fried. What comes out is the savory boondi. This boondi can be made sweet by putting in sugar syrup (prepared separately). (Supporting image from the project Hungry Planet: What the World Eats)
    IND04_9703_xf1b.jpg
  • A naga sadhu at Kumbh Mela in Ujjain, India, doing yoga and giving blessing with a feather duster to people who approach with donations. The sign says his name is Mahan Birij, welcome, and that he is the disciple of Sivaratri. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors. (Supporting image from the project Hungry Planet: What the World Eats.)
    IND_040418_001_x.jpg
  • A naga and sadhu at Kumbh Mela in Ujjain, India, doing yoga and giving blessing to people who approach with donations. Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors. (Supporting image from the project Hungry Planet: What the World Eats.).
    IND_040418_002_x.jpg
  • Pilgrims resting near the Shipra River during Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar.  Participants of the Mela gather to cleanse themselves spiritually by bathing in the waters of India's sacred rivers. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors. (Supporting image from the project Hungry Planet: What the World Eats.).
    IND_040418_003_x.jpg
  • A Sadhu (Hindu ascetic) during the Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040423_006_x.jpg
  • Pilgrims resting near the Shipra River during Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar.  Participants of the Mela gather to cleanse themselves spiritually by bathing in the waters of India's sacred rivers. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors. (Supporting image from the project Hungry Planet: What the World Eats.).
    IND_040418_004_x.jpg
  • A pilgrim during the Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040419_007_x.jpg
  • A Sadhu (Hindu ascetic) during the Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040423_005_x.jpg
  • A pilgrim relaxing during the Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040420_001_x.jpg
  • A pilgrim during the Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world.  Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040420_002_x.jpg
  • A Sadhu (Hindu ascetic) during the Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040422_005_x.jpg
  • A Sadhu (Hindu ascetic) smoking ganja in a clay chillum during the Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040423_007_x.jpg
  • A Sadhu (Hindu ascetic) smoking ganja in a clay chillum during the Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040423_008_x.jpg
  • A gathering of Sadhus (Hindu ascetics) during the Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040422_003_x.jpg
  • A Sadhu (Hindu ascetic) during the Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040422_006_x.jpg
  • Nagas (Hindu ascetics who are followers of Sadhus) congregate to bathe in the Shipra River during the Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar.  Participants of the Mela gather to cleanse themselves spiritually by bathing in the waters of India's sacred rivers.  Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040422_011_x.jpg
  • A naga covered in ash during the Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040422_015_x.jpg
  • Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040419_004_x.jpg
  • Watching a parade from a hotel by the Shipra River during Kumbh Mela in Ujjain, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar. Participants of the Mela gather to cleanse themselves spiritually by bathing in the waters of India's sacred rivers. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040422_020_x.jpg
  • At an ashram during Kumbh Mela in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040423_001_x.jpg
  • At an Ashram during Kumbh Mela in Ujjain, India. The man reading a book had taken a vow of silence and could not talk to us. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040423_002_x.jpg
  • At an Ashram during Kumbh Mela in Ujjain, India. The man reading a book had taken a vow of silence and could not talk to us. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040423_003_x.jpg
  • Distributing food to Ashram members during KUMBH MELA in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040423_004_x.jpg
  • Smoking ganja in a clay chillum in an sahram tent during Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar.  Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040423_009_x.jpg
  • An elephant roaming the streets is fed cabbage scraps during the Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040423_011_x.jpg
  • An elephant roaming the streets is fed cabbage scraps during the Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040423_012_x.jpg
  • Jewelry market during the Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040423_013_x.jpg
  • Hindu holy men prepare tea at the Kumbh Mela festival in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar.  Participants of the Mela gather to cleanse themselves spiritually by bathing in the waters of India's sacred rivers. During the festival hundreds of ashrams set up free cafeterias and dusty, sprawling camps that stretch for miles. Thousands of Hindu pilgrims file past the different groups on the way to and from the river and their own dusty camps. (Supporting image from the project Hungry Planet: What the World Eats.).
    IND_040423_014_x.jpg
  • Pre-dawn swim of nagas on the banks of the Shipra River on an auspicious day for bathing during the Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar. Participants of the Mela gather to cleanse themselves spiritually by bathing in the waters of India's sacred rivers. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040422_002_x.jpg
  • Pre-dawn swim of nagas on the banks of the Shipra River on an auspicious day for bathing during the Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar. Participants of the Mela gather to cleanse themselves spiritually by bathing in the waters of India's sacred rivers. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040422_001_x.jpg
  • A holy man at the Kumbh Mela Festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India claims to only drink one glass of milk per day and be 140 years old. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040423_020_x.jpg
  • A holy man at the Kumbh Mela Festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India claims to only drink one glass of milk per day and be 140 years old. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040423_019_x.jpg
  • A crippled street beggar naps on the ground during the Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kumbh Mela festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held 4 times every 12 years, cycling between the cities of Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Hardiwar. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious festivals on earth, attracting millions from all over India and the world. Past Melas have attracted up to 70 million visitors.
    IND_040423_015_x.jpg
  • Pilgrims take their turn to bath in the Shipra River during the Kumbh Mela festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. (From the book What I Eat: Around the World in 80 Diets.)
    IND_040419_440_xxw.jpg
  • Thousands of pilgrims enjoy free meals of vegetarian curry and dal served by volunteers at Sri Swami Santdas Udaasin Ashram during the Hindu festival of Kumbh Mela, in Ujjain, India.  (From the book What I Eat: Around the World in 80 Diets.)
    IND_040420_264_xxw.jpg
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Peter Menzel Photography

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