18th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Khumbamela Devotee

Millions gather for India’s Kumbh Mela, the largest religious festival in the world. An early morning run of Hindus and Sadhus nake and covered with ashes as they ran for their morning bath. Devout Hindus believe bathing in the waters of the Ganges absolves people of sins and at the time of the Kumbh Mela, or the “festival of the pot,” it brings salvation from the cycle of life and death.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.2019
Date Uploaded: 11.2020
Photo Location: Uttar Pradesh, India
Camera: Canon EOS 6D
Copyright: © Mary Grace Montives