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India races to prepare world's largest religious gathering

BBC
Summary
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81% Informative

Hindu festival Kumbh Mela described as humanity's biggest gathering.

About 400 million pilgrims are expected to attend the 45-day spectacle, which is so large it can be seen from space.

Hindus believe that taking a dip in Sangam will cleanse them of sins, purify their soul and liberate them from the cycle of birth and death.

The largest gathering is expected on 29 January when 50 to 60 million worshippers are expected to bathe in the river.

The Indian government said it was spending 70bn rupees ($ 812 m; 665 m) on organising the event.

Tens of thousands of pilgrims, including many from foreign countries, have already reached Prayagraj .