Kumbh 2010

A lady changes after a dip in the holy river.

Amidst threats of terrorism, Kumbh goes on.

Watchful NSG commandos.

A devotee carries a decorated shrine to the river at dawn.

Some divine shopping.

Sadhus at Juna akhara

Streetscape, Juna Akara

Religion is the opiate of the masses.

There I was on the bustling platform of Haridwar on a chilly morning. As I gazed upon the throngs of devotees pouring out of the train, I couldn't agree more with the gentleman named Marx. You need to be seriously sedated to ignore the warmth of a cozy quilt, undress and take a dip in the freezing water of a holy river. I realise, for the pilgrims looking for ablution of sins, I am a strange creature. Roaming around the ghats from dawn to dusk- taking pictures, is not evryone's idea of nirvana. But this is the only place other than a fashion week where you get the maximum number of photographers per sq inch.

There is something about religion and abandon that go hand in glove. I have seen more naked men (read naga sadhu) at this kumbh than in my entire puny life of 25 years. Its a town where pot is legal, alcohol and meat are not. And women, from remotest corners of India, take a dip and change in public ! And no one cares. There is something basic and primal about it. Religion again becomes a personal chioce and more to do with spirituality than scripted customs. All the right wing fanatics need to come here before they talk crap about 'our culture.' Here is a slice of real India, where Khajuraho, Kumbh and Kama Sutra co-exist.