Millions of Hindu devotees converged on the 'sacred' river for a bathing festival, weeks after a stampede at the event killed at least 30.

Pilgrims arrived in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, to take a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam River on the occasion of Maghi Purnima during the Maha Kumbh Mela festival on Wednesday, February 12.

Maghi Purnima marks the end of the Magha month in Hinduism and is a time for spiritual reflection, purification, and charity.

The government reported a footfall of 19.5 million by 8 pm on Wednesday, with a total of more than 482 million attending so far.

Aerial footage shows crowds of devotees splashing in the river.

In a recent incident on the evening of February 15, thousands of devotees flocking to the festival caused a stampede that killed at least 18 people at a railway station in New Delhi.

Officials said 14 women and four children were killed when crowds tried to board packed carriages heading to the Hindu Maha Kumbh event.

Maha Kumbh Mela is a major Hindu pilgrimage festival where millions of devotees and tourists gather to take a holy dip in the sacred rivers, believing it cleanses sins and grants salvation.

However, the resulting chaos has led to dozens of deaths and injuries.

In one incident on January 29, millions had gathered to take a holy dip at the Maha Kumbh Mela when disorder erupted around 1:30 am. Police confirmed that at least 30 devotees were killed, while 60 others were injured during one of the holiest events in the country.