In Photos: A Glimpse of Prayagraj A Day Before Kumbh Mela

Here’s a glimpse of the Kumbh Nagari, in all its light and colours.

(Photo: Abhishek Ranjan/The Quint)

Prayagraj is all decked up for the Ardh Kumbh Mela, the largest congregation of devotees in the world!

While Tuesday, 15 January is when the fair officially begins on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, thousands made their way to the Sangam for a ritual dip in the waters on Monday, 14 January as well.

Here’s a glimpse of the Kumbh Nagari, in all its light and colours.

A devotee rests, while workers prepare for the mega event.(Photo: Abhishek Ranjan/The Quint)

But first, let’s take a selfie!(Photo: Abhishek Ranjan/The Quint)

A devotee takes a dip in the Triveni Sangam. Shahi Snan is the central highlight of the Kumbh Mela and the most important part of the celebration.(Photo: Abhishek Ranjan/The Quint)

Before the first day of Shahi Snan (15 January), cleanliness of the water is top priority!(Photo: Abhishek Ranjan/The Quint)

Well, also the hairstyle. A barber sits under a crossing bridge in Prayagraj.(Photo: Abhishek Ranjan/The Quint)

UP CM Yogi Adityanath has all eyes on the preparations for the Ardh Kumbh mela, which he recently renamed as Kumbh.(Photo: Abhishek Ranjan/The Quint)

A cooking gas cylinder exploded in a tent at the Digambar Ani Akhada on the Kumbh Mela site Monday, triggering a massive fire, prompting Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to direct officials to compensate the loss immediately.(Photo: Abhishek Ranjan/The Quint)

Two sadhus from Digambar Ani Akhada inspect the burst cylinder which caused the fire.(Photo: Abhishek Ranjan/The Quint)

No changing rooms for men who take a dip in the holy water.(Photo: Abhishek Ranjan/The Quint)

(Photo: Abhishek Ranjan/The Quint)

There will be magnificent processions of seers and their disciples, and members of various akhadas to take part in the ritual of Shahi Snan tomorrow.(Photo: Abhishek Ranjan/The Quint)

Every year during Kumbh Mela, hundreds of Naga Sadhus gather to take a holy dip in the Ganges.(Photo: Abhishek Ranjan/The Quint)