TUESDAY February 23, 2021: 'ATONEMENT: Magh Mela' from ZUMA Press award winning photographer Prabhat Kumar Verma, who covers social issues and events across India: The major religious events in India are marked by famous fairs. The scope and size of these can be anything from a few days at a local deity's shrine to mass gatherings of millions of devotees lasting months. The fairs of Magh Mela and Kumbh Mela are two examples. The religious basis for the Magh Mela is the belief that pilgrimage is a means for atonement, or penance for past mistakes. Hindu mythology considers the origin of the festival to be associated with the beginning of the Universe. The event brings millions of pilgrims to the ghats of Prayagraj every year. Although the mega event of Kumbh has become world famous, what does not get as much attention is the Magh Mela. Legends have it that the tradition of Magh Mela began after Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, performed a sacred sacrifice at Sangam, the confluence of three holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Sarawati in Prayagraj. To ensure the tradition is carried on, locals started holding the annual fair of Magh Mela. Even today, pilgrims believe the mela is a reminder of the creation of the universe by Brahma and a celebration of life. Welcome to: 'ATONEMENT: Magh Mela'
© zReportage.com Story of the Week #775: TUESDAY February 23, 2021: 'ATONEMENT: Magh Mela' from ZUMA Press award winning photographer Prabhat Kumar Verma, who covers social issues and events across India: The major religious events in India are marked by famous fairs. The scope and size of these can be anything from a few days at a local deity's shrine to mass gatherings of millions of devotees lasting months. The fairs of Magh Mela and Kumbh Mela are two examples. The religious basis for the Magh Mela is the belief that pilgrimage is a means for atonement, or penance for past mistakes. Hindu mythology considers the origin of the festival to be associated with the beginning of the Universe. The event brings millions of pilgrims to the ghats of Prayagraj every year. Although the mega event of Kumbh has become world famous, what does not get as much attention is the Magh Mela. Legends have it that the tradition of Magh Mela began after Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, performed a sacred sacrifice at Sangam, the confluence of three holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Sarawati in Prayagraj. To ensure the tradition is carried on, locals started holding the annual fair of Magh Mela. Even today, pilgrims believe the mela is a reminder of the creation of the universe by Brahma and a celebration of life. Welcome to: 'ATONEMENT: Magh Mela'
A Sadhu sits inside a tent and works on an Apple laptop at Sangam on the occasion of Basant Panchami Festival during the ongoing Magh Mela.
© Prabhat Kumar Verma/ZUMA Wire
Prayagraj, Uttar, Pradesh, India: Hindu devotees in silhouette cross a shallow area of the River Ganga to arrive at Sangam, the sacred confluence or River Ganga, Yamuna and mythological Saraswati during Magh Mela.
© Prabhat Kumar Verma/ZUMA Wire
A Hindu devotee offers prayers as others take a holy dip at the sacred Sangam, the 3 holy river confluence, during the ongoing Magh Mela Festival.
© Prabhat Kumar Verma/ZUMA Wire
A Sadhu with his face and body painted in bright colors, offers prayers at Sangam on the occasion of Basant Panchami Festival during the ongoing Magh Mela.
© Prabhat Kumar Verma/ZUMA Wire
Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India: A view from a high temple above hundreds of tents at Sangam, the confluence of River Ganga, Yamuna and mythological Saraswati, on the eve of Maghi Purnima festival during Magh Mela.
© Prabhat Kumar Verma/ZUMA Wire
A group of Hindu devotees pray and take a holy dip at Sangam river confluence. The religious basis for the Magh Mela is the belief that pilgrimage is a means for atonement, or penance for past mistakes.
© Prabhat Kumar Verma/ZUMA Wire
A 'sadhu', or Hindu holy man offers prayer while floating in Sangam river confluence on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya festival during Magh Mela.
© Prabhat Kumar Verma/ZUMA Wire
Thousands of Hindu Devotee's gather at Sangam river confluence to take holy dip on the occasion of Basant Panchami Festival during the ongoing Magh Mela.
© Prabhat Kumar Verma/ZUMA Wire
Devotee in a turban taking holy dip in Sangam, the confluence of River Ganga, Yamuna and mythological Saraswati on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya festival during ongoing Math Mela.
© Prabhat Kumar Verma/ZUMA Wire
A sadhu or holy man, offers prayers while floating in the waters at Sangam on the occasion of Basant Panchami or Spring Festival during the ongoing Magh Mela.
© Prabhat Kumar Verma/ZUMA Wire
A Hindu devotee taking a holy dip in Sangam, the confluence of River Ganga, Yamuna and mythological Saraswati on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya festival or 'bathing day' during the Math Mela festival.
© Prabhat Kumar Verma/ZUMA Wire
Prayagraj, Uttar Predesh, India: A devotee offers evening prayers while entering the waters at Sangam, confluence or River Ganga, Yamuna and mythological Saraswati during Magh Mela.
© Prabhat Kumar Verma/ZUMA Wire
Holding candles over the holy waters, devotees offer prayers after bathing in the Sangam. The religious basis for the Magh Mela is the belief that pilgrimage is a means for atonement, or penance for past mistakes.
© Prabhat Kumar Verma/ZUMA Wire
A Hindu priest offers an evening prayer with burning torches for devotees at the Sangam area on the eve of Basant Panchami or Spring Festival during the ongoing Magh mela.
© Prabhat Kumar Verma/ZUMA Wire
Dressed in black fatigues and automatic weapons at the ready, Indian commandos work as security for the Magh Mela festival.
© Prabhat Kumar Verma/ZUMA Wire
Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India: Huge crowds of visitors cross a pontoon bridge on the River Ganga to arrive at Sangam, the confluence or River Ganga, Yamuna and mythological Saraswati, on the eve of Maghi Purnima festival during Magh Mela.
© Prabhat Kumar Verma/ZUMA Wire
Uttar Pradesh police patrol on horseback as Devotees prepare to take holy dip at Sangam during the ongoing Magh Mela Festival.
© Prabhat Kumar Verma/ZUMA Wire
A red sunset glows over tents at the holy Sangam river confluence on the eve of Basant Panchami Festival during the ongoing Magh mela.
© Prabhat Kumar Verma/ZUMA Wire
