India. Uttar Pradesh state. Allahabad. Maha Kumbh Mela. An hindu man drinks water from a water fountain. Two policemen from the Special Forces unit stand under a large billboard with the program during the Kumbh Mela of Mahawandleshwar Swamy, responsible for an Akhara. In Hinduism, Akhara (also akhada) is an association of different sects of Sadhus Vairaghis yogis or Hindu Renunciates. The Kumbh Mela, believed to be the largest religious gathering is held every 12 years on the banks of the 'Sangam'- the confluence of the holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. The Maha (great) Kumbh Mela, which comes after 12 Purna Kumbh Mela, or 144 years, is always held at Allahabad. Uttar Pradesh (abbreviated U.P.) is a state located in northern India. 13.02.13 © 2013 Didier Ruef