In pictures: Kumbh Mela festival

1 of 6 The month-long Hindu festival of Kumbh Mela is in full flow at Nashik, in India's western state of Maharashtra

2 of 6 Millions of people from all over the country go for a 'holy dip'

3 of 6 The festival takes place four times every 12 years at spots where gods are said to have spilt the nectar of immortality

4 of 6 This hermit is blowing a conch shell - lacing the occasion with music

5 of 6 Hindu monkey God Hanuman oversees the worshippers

6 of 6 Devotees come to perform the ritual and to pray during the festival, which began last week.