​VICTORIA KNOBLOCH

"Kumbh Mela in India" is a vibrant photo documentary about faith and it's immense impact on people! The series visually invites the visitor to immerse in the "Holy mother" Ganges itself together with the Hindu believers. It represents a splendid view of India's spiritual side, which has fascinated western society since all times. The series spells sheer magic of faith and shows what is beyond words.
 

For this accomplishment the German photographer Victoria Knobloch went to Allahabad for one week in February 2013. There at the meeting point of the three holy rivers: the Ganges, the Yamuna and the Saraswati which is called "Sangam", the Maha Kumbh Mela takes place every 12 years. The rivers enjoy the status of living Goddesses in Hindu mythology and according to Hindu belief, bathing in them influences your Karma. The power of faith, the bathing's, the devotional prayers, singing, and the dedication to the holy mother Ganges with heart and soul are unique in the world.
 

Undoubtedly the Maha Kumbh Mela marks the largest celebration of faith on earth. More than 70 million people pilgrimage on the land of Sangam near Allahabad in India to be a part of the two month long celebration, so the holy river Ganges witnesses a phenomenal number of people, around 30 times more than the pilgrimage to Mecca (the Haj). Apart from pilgrims, there are around 5 million of Sadhus who live a life of renunciation and one can see them only at the Kumbh Mela. This photo documentary is a scintillating visualization of faith and the artist is taking the viewer on a visual journey that will immerse his soul into the actual happening of this spectacular event itself.