The festival has its roots in a Hindu tradition that says the god Vishnu wrested a golden pitcher containing the nectar of immortality from demons. Hindus believe that a few drops fell in the cities of Prayagraj, Nasik, Ujjain and Haridwar — the four places where the Kumbh festival has been held in rotation for centuries.

India's Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a ritual river dip on Wednesday at the world's largest religious festival, a week after a stampede killed at least 30 pilgrims.

NEW DELHI - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took holy dips in sacred river waters in the northern city of Prayagraj on Wednesday as he joined millions of people at the Maha Kumbh Mela, a week after dozens died in a stampede at the event.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a holy dip at the Sangam on Wednesday after he arrived in Prayagraj as part of his visit to the Maha Kumbh. After arriving at Prayagraj, PM Modi, who was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh (UP) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath,

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday visited the Mahakumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj, wherein he took a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam.