The northern Indian city of Allahabad is getting ready for the Hindu festival of Maha Kumbh Mela when tens of millions of pilgrims are expected to visit to bathe at the Sangam - the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers. (Text and photos: Ramdutt Tripathi)

The festival is scheduled to take place from 14 January to 10 March 2013 and is billed as the biggest religious gathering in the world. Work on constructing a massive tent city near the river to accommodate the visiting millions is due to start after the monsoon season is over.

Work has already begun at the Parade ground in Allahabad. Laying down of electric supply lines is a big challenge and officials say 50 power sub stations will be built. Solar lights will also be provided to give uninterrupted light at night along the river bank.

There are several important bathing dates during the festival when the maximum number of pilgrims take holy dips in the river. Hindus believe the Ganges will wash away their sins and help them achieve salvation.

The central and state governments spend millions of dollars to provide everything from sanitation to security. It is hard, sweaty work for those involved in the preparations, which begin months in advance.

Here, iron pontoon bridges are being constructed to make a temporary passage for pilgrims over the Ganges and Yamuna rivers.

More than a dozen temporary pontoon bridges will need to be constructed for the Mela.

Nearly 10,000 boats are deployed during the festival to carry pilgrims over a 15-km (9-mile) stretch of the two rivers. The Kumbh Mela provides a good opportunity for the locals to earn a living.

Pilgrims take boats to the point of the Sangam - considered to be the holiest spot - to bathe. The Sangam keeps shifting as the water increases or decreases.

Sanitation is a huge problem during the 55-day-long festival and thousands of temporary toilets need to be constructed near the area. An estimated 30,000 policemen will be deployed during the period.

Offerings of flowers are popular with pilgrims during the festival.