It is billed as the greatest show on earth. While some come in search of salvation, others are drawn by the sheer spectacle of it all. Hindus from all over the world are congregating in the northern Indian city of Allahabad to bathe in the waters of the holy Ganges.
Along with priests and pilgrims, a few who have gained immortality in their lifetimes are also reported to be on their way: Madonna, Pierce Brosnan, Sharon Stone, Demi Moore and Richard Gere are among the Hollywood stars expected to turn up.
As many as 600 so-called "premium guests" were reported by one travel company to be heading for the world's largest spiritual event.
Over coming weeks, tens of millions of people are expected to take part in the Kumbh Mela, a religious festival of dynamic dimensions which officially opened yesterday. It takes place once every 12 years and constitutes the world's single biggest gathering of humanity for one purpose at one time. The largest numbers of people will be present on the main bathing days. It was thought that about one million souls would take the dip yesterday. On Sunday, when the sadhus (Hindu holy men) and Hindu religious leaders enter the waters after a huge procession, that number could hit eight million. The single most auspicious bathing day, when sun, moon and planets are in propitious alignment, is January 24th.
On that day, between 20 and 30 million people are expected to wade into the Ganges in an attempt to wash away their sins.
The Kumbh Mela, or Grand Pitcher Festival, is held at the confluence of the Ganges and the Yamuna rivers.
Hindu scriptures say this is one of the four places on which God spilt a drop of the elixir of immortality.