Several Pakistani pilgrims arrived in Prayagraj city in north India to participate in the ongoing Maha Kumbh, the largest religious congregation in the world.

The pilgrims expressed their gratitude to the Indian government for issuing them visas.

Speaking to Indian news agency ANI, Govind Ram Makhija, a Hindu pilgrim from Pakistan, said: "We are here and we are very happy. It is very well organized and we have been very well served. We never even imagined that it could happen."

Another pilgrim Ishwar Lal Makhija told ANI: "We are thankful to the Indian government who had made a very good arrangement for us right from the station till here (camps)."

Priyanka, a first-time visitor to India, said she felt 'great' visiting the neighbouring nation.

"Like our worship, our religious place, everything that we see, it feels very good,” she said.

The Maha Kumbh Festival began on January 13 and will continue till February 26.