What happens at Kumbh Mela
1. There are four different pilgrimage sites used in rotation every three years, with a large festival taking place every twelve years at Prayaga
2. The mythological origin is in the story of the churning of the oceans by gods and demons, when the celestial bird Garuda flew away with a jar containing the nectar of immortality
3. The timing of the festival is carefully calculated by studying the stars, and it is particularly linked to the constellation of Aquarius
4. At the 2013 Kumbh Mela, it is estimated that 100 million people bathed in the Ganges to release themselves from the repeated cycle of birth and death
5. The pilgrimage takes place over 55 days with a fair-like atmosphere, where pilgrims purchase garlands of marigolds to cast into the water as an offering
6. Sadhus from all over India take part in the pilgrimage, with naked sadhus leading the procession into the water
7. Kumbh Mela demonstrates Hindu passion and devotion, with pilgrims reciting prayers and seeing it as a time of special blessing
