Photos taken on February 7, 2001 - the day before Maghi Purnima

4.35pm. The view from the Sangam. The water level in the Ganga is very low and the sandbanks that are now above the waterline were a few feet under water not long ago.

A pilgrim drops a one rupee coin in appreciation of the austerity he sees displayed before him.

A Naga Baba blesses a man who has bowed down before him, while others watch.

The edges of all the sandbanks are filled with flowers and burning joss sticks. The smell of incense and the sounds of water and prayers fill the air.

The Ganga here among the sandbanks is shallow and adventurous pilgrims are having to walk quite a distance for a decent dip. In the meantime somebody’s message to the Gods in the form of a tiny leaf basket with a flower and a lighted lamp attempts to float by.