With the Kumbh mela just days away, preparations are in full flow in Prayagraj. From January 15 to March 4, an estimated 130-140 million pilgrims and tourists are expected to visit the city during the Kumbh mela. For the devout, a holy dip will rid them of their sins, free them from the cycle of life and death. Workers are meanwhile racing against time at the mela site as Siberian seagulls fly about. The city has been transformed with colourful and vibrant street art at every nook and corner, and for the pious rich, luxury tents are on offer. The scale of arrangements is unprecedented. In 2013, the mela was spread over 1,700 hectares; this time it is 3,200. The budget for Kumbh 2019 is Rs 4,300 crore; as per reports, it was about a third in 2013.