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world's biggest gathering of humanity took place yesterday on the banks of India's River Ganges. Up to 30 million people took part in pilgrimage known as Kumbh Mela. Hindu devotees have been travelling across India since opening day of festival on January 14th. Then, just modest eight million took dip in holy waters at town called Sangam. This is where Ganges and Yamuna rivers merge. Up to 100 million people will make their way to Sangam to bathe in sacred waters during 55-day event. This year is special one, known as Maha Kumbh Mela, which happens only once every 144 years. Hindus believe that bathing in rivers will cleanse their sins and bring salvation.

Security has been particularly tight during this Kumbh Mela due to record numbers of attendees and execution on Saturday of one of those who attacked Indian parliament in 2001. Kashmiri Afzal Guru was hanged in capital New Delhi for his part in attack. Militants had promised to disrupt Mela by causing stampede. As precaution, Indian police laid on thousands of extra officers to look for suspected terrorists. They also set up increased numbers of surveillance cameras. Meanwhile, request went out to Indian celebrities to not visit Mela at busiest time. police spokesman said excitement created by leading Bollywood actor or popular singer could have resulted in potentially deadly surge.