Kumbh Mela: World's biggest festival

Kumbh Mela 2015 is being celebrated in Nashik after 12 years. With over 10 crore people coming together for this festival, it is considered as the world's largest congregation. The festival itself is observed only once in every three years. Photos: Prashant Nakwe

Once in every 12 years Kumbh Mela is celebrated in Triyambakeshwar Jyotirlinga temple situated in holy town of Trimbakeshwar in Nashik.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu flew from earth to heaven with a pot of nectar, spilling drops of nectar at four different places- Haridwar, Nashik, Ujjain and Allahabad.

Sadhus, holy men and millions of pilgrims flock to the temple to wash away their sins in the holy river, Godhavari. They take dips in the river on a specific date and at specific time.

Celebration of Kumbh Mela depends on the position of Jupiter (Brhaspati) and the sun. When the Jupiter and the sun falls on the zodiac sign Leo or 'Sinhastha' (as referred to in Sanskrit), it is observed in Nashik.

Devotees come together and perform several ceremonies, chant prayers, sing devotional songs and feed masses of holy men and women and the poor.

To manage the crores of people, nearly 15,000 police personnel, 10 squads of special forces and anti-terrorism squads and one dozen bomb disposal squads have been deployed for security.