Blanket coverage of this year's Kumbh Mela, the largest congregation of religious pilgrims in the world, is what Etc has lined up for its viewers.

This year's Khumb Mela has added significance because of a rare planetary alignment which is occurring after a gap of 144 years.

Kumbh Mela takes place once every three years and attracts millions of devotees. However, the major Kumbh Mela occurs once in 12 years. This year the 41-day religious festival will begin on 9 January and end on 21 February 21.

A Kumbh Mela curtain raiser will screen on Etc on 8 January from 5.30 am to 7.30 am with Anup Jalota performing.