India. Uttar Pradesh state. Allahabad. Maha Kumbh Mela. International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) devotes and their cart pulled by two bulls, Shiva's symbols, stand in Sangam on Royal bath on Basant Panchami Snan (fifth day of the new moon). The ritual "Royal Bath" is timed to match an auspicious planetary alignment, when believers say spiritual energy flows to earth. ISKCON is a religious movement that also identifies itself as The Hare Krishna Movement. ISKCON belongs to the Gaudiya-Vaishnava sampradaya, a monotheistic tradition within the Vedic and Hindu cultural traditions. It is based on the Bhagavad-gita, the spiritual teachings spoken by Lord Krishna who is revered as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. 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. In 2013, it is estimated that nearly 80 million devotees took a bath in the water of the holy river Ganges. 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. 15.02.13 © 2013 Didier Ruef