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In photos: World's biggest religious festival begins in India

Ankit Srinivas Devotees performing fire rituals while entering the festivalAnkit Srinivas
The Mahakumbh Mela is taking place in the northern city of Prayagraj

Millions of people are gathering in the northern Indian city of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh state to participate in the Mahakumbh Mela, the world's largest gathering of humanity.

Devout Hindus from all parts of the world have arrived here (and will continue to do so) over the course of six weeks to take a holy dip at Sangam - the confluence of India's most sacred Ganges river with the Yamuna river and the mythical Saraswati.

Hindus believe taking a dip in the sacred waters cleanses people of sins.

Authorities have set up a sprawling tent city spread across 4,000 hectares of open land along the banks of the rivers to accommodate the visitors, who are arriving at the grounds in colourful large processions, singing and dancing along the way.

Photojournalist Ankit Srinivas brings you some sights from the festival:

Ash-smeared holy men dancing and entering the festival
About 400 million pilgrims are expected to attend the 45-day spectacle
Ankit Srinivas Two women take a dip in the river at the Kumbh MelaAnkit Srinivas
Pilgrims from all parts of the country have reached Prayagraj for the event
Ankit Srinivas A group of ash-smeared Hindu holy men performing rituals at the MahakumbhAnkit Srinivas
A group of ash-smeared pilgrims perform rituals at the Kumbh
Ankit Srinivas A group of men in saffron clothing walking in the festival groundsAnkit Srinivas
The devout will bathe at Sangam - the confluence of India's most sacred Ganges river with the Yamuna river and the mythical Saraswati
Devotees at Maha Kumbh
Devotees brave icy temperatures to participate in the festival
Ankit Srinivas Thousands of pilgrims gathered at the banks of the riverAnkit Srinivas
The Kumbh is the biggest religious gathering in the world
Ankit Srinivas An aerial night view of the sprawling festivalAnkit Srinivas
A a vast tent city, spread over 4,000 hectares, has been set up on the banks of the river
Ankit Srinivas An aerial view of the banks of the river Ankit Srinivas
Construction on the tent city started in September last year
Ankit Srinivas A holy man staring into the cameraAnkit Srinivas
The festival concludes on 26 February
Ankit Srinivas Another holy man arriving in his decorated vintage red carAnkit Srinivas
Many Hindu holy men will stay at the festival for 45 days
Ankit Srinivas Dozens of holy men walking in a parade at the festivalAnkit Srinivas
A major attraction at the Kumbh are the naked Naga sadhus, or ascetics who hurl themselves into the icy waters of the river