Today was the principle bathing day of the Kumbh Mela. This 55 day festival on the Ganges takes place every 15 years and is the biggest gathering in the world, attracting thousands of pilgrims from all over India. The main event takes place further down the river in Allahabad, but Varanasi is a popular spot for those wanting to escape the crowds.

I enjoyed a glorious early morning boat trip where I was able to enjoy the peacefulness of the river but also take in the spectacle of the hundreds of people bathing and worshipping Ganga along the ghats of the river.