The Ganga is everything in Prayagraj. She flows quietly, but the banks are bustling with excitement. Here, water from the river is packed in customised bottles, ready for devotees to take back to their hometowns. Priests perform pujas with reverential devotees, all set to take a holy dip, with cries of ‘Ganga mata ki jai’ frequently emerging from the many boats lined up here. The Sangam — or the Triveni Sangam — is the place to be at Prayagraj. It is the confluence of three rivers — the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati — and one has to travel quite a bit by boat from the banks to reach here. A dip here is said to cleanse one’s soul and free them from rebirth. The Triveni Sangam is a major destination for Hindu pilgrimages and more so, during this time of the year. For, it is the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela, a time when people gather for what is described as the biggest religious congregation in the world. Boats arriving at Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj | Photo …