Tens of thousands of Hindu pilgrims braved cold and fog to bathe in the Ganges in India today. The rite opened a festival which officials say could draw as many as 70 million people over the next six weeks.
Hindu holy men, pilgrims and women holding children converged on the northern city of Allahabad for a swim they believe will cleanse them of sins, breaking the cycle of death and rebirth and uniting them with Brahma, the universal divinity.
Hundreds of policemen patrolled the riverbanks where thousands of tents have sprung up to house pilgrims attending the Maha Kumbha Mela, or Great Pitcher Festival, which takes place once in 12 years.
"Bathing began at 1.20 a.m. which was considered an auspicious hour," said information official Mr Arvind Mishra.
Mr Mishra said he expected up to two million people to immerse themselves in the icy waters of the Ganges today, the first day of the 42-day festival. Reuters