Indian movies have often used the idea of brothers separated from each other at melas. Sometimes it is members of a family who get separated. Events like the Kumbh mela, now on in Prayagraj, prove the trope true, though the drama here ends in a few hours, at most in a day or two rather than run into several years as in films. Reuniting the lost with their loved ones are dedicated volunteers at booths like this one.

While announcements are made over public address systems, those who are lost (usually old folks, women and children) are sheltered in the booths. There is some weeping, as in the pictures on the left and right, but happy endings happen sooner than  later.

A volunteer takes careful note of a lost person’s details before an announcement is made. There are strict rules to follow before every reunion.

Comforting lost children till their parents or guardians turn up is difficult, but volunteers at the Kumbh do their best.