India kicks off Hindu festival touted as the world's largest religious gathering

Hindu pilgrims takes a selfie as they arrive to take part in the Maha Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj on January 12, 2025.

Millions of Hindu devotees, mystics and holy men and women from all across India flocked to the northern city of Prayagraj on Monday to kickstart the Maha Kumbh festival, which is being touted as the world's largest religious gathering.