Kathmandu, March 2 -- Millions of devotees thronged Prayagraj (Allahabad) in Uttar Pradesh to take a dip in the waters of the holy junction of the Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers for the Kumbh Mela, a massive gathering of millions of Hindus that takes place every 12 years.

The mela began on January 15, and 10 days later, on February 4, thousands of devotees had already reached Prayagraj on the auspicious occasion of Maghe Aaushi, also known as Mauni Amavasya. A shahi snan, or holy bath, is an essential part of the mela, where men, women, ascetics and tourists all immerse themselves ritually in the 'sangam' or meeting point of the three holy rivers. On Mauni Amavasya, which is the day for the third auspicious bath since the be...