More photos taken on Basant Panchami, January 29, 2001,  the last important bathing day of January.

Making and selling fresh hot jelebi on the Jhusi side of the mela. Strictly for those who have a sweet tooth.

One of the hundreds of groups distributing free food to anyone who wants it. This one is being served at 3.20pm

People like him are also my heroes. Almost all meals here are served on plates made from compressed biodegradable tree leaves. Without gloves, he is clearing the gutters here and placing them in piles to be picked up later. He is just one reason why the mela is a clean place despite the tons of garbage generated every hour. He gets paid Rs.55 per day.

Vickram (at left) feels intimidated by almost everybody. He dare not cross their path. This could be the result of habit formed from his low caste birth. This is why he perched himself in a spot not intimidating to pilgrims and far away from where beggars congregate. I asked him ‘Are you having your snans?’ ‘No my Saab, but sometimes I go to the Ganga over there.’ He said, pointing in the direction of the loneliest spot you could find here on the Ganga.