Foto: Miliony hinduistů se přijely vykoupat do posvátné řeky

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Hindu devotees cross pontoon bridges spanning the river Ganges during the first "Shahi Snan" (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 14, 2013. Upwards of a million elated Hindu holy men and pilgrims took a bracing plunge in India's sacred Ganges river to wash away lifetimes of sins on Monday, in a raucous start to an ever-growing religious gathering that is already the world's largest. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) Published: Led. 14, 2013, 2:02 odp.
A cow crosses a road past municipal corporation sweepers cleaning a road leading to the banks of the Ganges river ahead of the "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 10, 2013. During the festival, hundreds of thousands of Hindus take part in a religious gathering at the banks of the river Ganges. The festival is held every 12 years in different Indian cities. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: ANIMALS SOCIETY RELIGION) Published: Led. 10, 2013, 8:22 dop.
Hindu devotees walk on the banks of the river Ganges amidst the fog ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival) in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 13, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) Published: Led. 13, 2013, 6:49 dop.
A Sadhu, or a Hindu holy man, walks on the banks of the river Ganges amid fog ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival) in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 13, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) Published: Led. 13, 2013, 6:54 dop.
A Hindu devotee prays as he takes a dip in the waters of the holy Ganges river ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival) in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 11, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION) Published: Led. 11, 2013, 10:02 dop.
Hindu holy men, also known as "Sadhus", perform prayers for a peaceful "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, on the banks of the river Ganges in the northern Indian city of Allahabad December 17, 2012. During the festival, hundreds of thousands of Hindus take part in a religious gathering at the banks of the river Ganges. The festival is held every 12 years in different Indian cities. REUTERS/Jitendra Prakash (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) Published: Pro. 17, 2012, 10:59 dop.
A Hindu woman gets dressed after taking a holy dip in the waters of the Ganges river ahead of the "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 10, 2013. During the festival, hundreds of thousands of Hindus take part in a religious gathering at the banks of the river Ganges. The festival is held every 12 years in different Indian cities. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) Published: Led. 10, 2013, 8:33 dop.
A Hindu woman gets dressed after taking a dip in the waters of the holy Ganges river ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival), in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 11, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION) Published: Led. 11, 2013, 10:15 dop.
A barber shaves the head of a Hindu devotee on the banks of the river Ganges ahead of the "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 10, 2013. During the festival, hundreds of thousands of Hindus take part in a religious gathering at the banks of the river Ganges. The festival is held every 12 years in different Indian cities. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION) Published: Led. 10, 2013, 8:29 dop.
Hindu devotees take part in the morning prayers on the banks of the river Ganges ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival) in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 13, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) Published: Led. 13, 2013, 6:48 dop.
A woman gets her forehead painted by a Hindu priest to welcome the year 2013 on the banks of the river Ganges in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 1, 2013. REUTERS/Jitendra Prakash (INDIA - Tags: ANNIVERSARY RELIGION SOCIETY) Published: Led. 1, 2013, 7:45 dop.
A man dressed as Hindu goddess Kali, the goddess of power, performs with a burning camphor tablet on his tongue during a religious procession ahead of the "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 6, 2013. During the festival, hundreds of thousands of Hindus take part in a religious gathering at the banks of the river Ganges. The festival is held every 12 years in different Indian cities. REUTERS/Jitendra Prakash (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION ANNIVERSARY TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) Published: Led. 6, 2013, 11:39 dop.
Artists dressed as Hindu deities take part in a religious procession near the banks of river Ganges ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival) in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 11, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) Published: Led. 11, 2013, 6:13 odp.
Hindu holy men, also known as "Sadhus", take part in a procession to attend the "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad December 18, 2012. During the festival, hundreds of thousands of Hindus take part in a religious gathering at the banks of the river Ganges. The festival is held every 12 years in different Indian cities. REUTERS/Jitendra Prakash (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) Published: Pro. 18, 2012, 1:34 odp.
Policemen bathe outside their camp along the banks of the river Ganges on a cold winter morning in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 7, 2013. The current cold weather in northern India has killed more than 100 homeless people, an aid group said last week. Temperatures in Allahabad have dipped to around 4 degrees Celsius (39.2 degrees Fahrenheit). REUTERS/Jitendra Prakash (INDIA - Tags: ENVIRONMENT) Published: Led. 7, 2013, 8:17 dop.
Indian policemen mounted on their horses clear the way for a religious procession near the banks of the river Ganges ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival) in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 11, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY ANIMALS) Published: Led. 11, 2013, 6:34 odp
Workers spread dry grass on the banks of the river Ganges ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival) in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 11, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) Published: Led. 11, 2013, 6:32 odp.
Hindu devotees get dressed after taking dip during the first "Shahi Snan" (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 14, 2013. Upwards of a million elated Hindu holy men and pilgrims took a bracing plunge in India's sacred Ganges river to wash away lifetimes of sins on Monday, in a raucous start to an ever-growing religious gathering that is already the world's largest. REUTERS/Jitendra Prakash (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) Published: Led. 14, 2013, 12:06 odp.
Hindu devotees gather to attend the first 'Shahi Snan' (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 14, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will again return to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) Published: Led. 14, 2013, 7:36 dop.
Naga Sadhus or Hindu holymen prepare to take a holy dip during first "Shahi Snan" (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 14, 2013. Upwards of a million elated Hindu holy men and pilgrims took a bracing plunge in India's sacred Ganges river to wash away lifetimes of sins on Monday, in a raucous start to an ever-growing religious gathering that is already the world's largest. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) TEMPLATE OUT Published: Led. 14, 2013, 8:35 dop.
Hindu devotees prepare to take a dip in the waters of the holy Ganges river ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival), in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 11, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION) Published: Led. 11, 2013, 10:16 dop.
Hindu devotees gather to take a dip in the waters of the holy Ganges river ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival), in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 11, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION) Published: Led. 11, 2013, 10:18 dop.
Hindu devotees take a holy dip in the waters of river Ganges amid fog ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival) in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 13, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: ENVIRONMENT SOCIETY RELIGION) Published: Led. 13, 2013, 7:08 dop.
Hindu devotees take a holy dip in the waters of river Ganges amid fog ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival) in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 13, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: ENVIRONMENT SOCIETY RELIGION) Published: Led. 13, 2013, 7:11 dop.
A Sadhu or a Hindu holy man prays as he takes a dip during the first "Shahi Snan" (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 14, 2013. Upwards of a million elated Hindu holy men and pilgrims took a bracing plunge in India's sacred Ganges river to wash away lifetimes of sins on Monday, in a raucous start to an ever-growing religious gathering that is already the world's largest. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) Published: Led. 14, 2013, 8:41 dop.
Naga Sadhus or Hindu holymen run to take a holy dip during the first "Shahi Snan" (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 14, 2013. Upwards of a million elated Hindu holy men and pilgrims took a bracing plunge in India's sacred Ganges river to wash away lifetimes of sins on Monday, in a raucous start to an ever-growing religious gathering that is already the world's largest. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) TEMPLATE OUT Published: Led. 14, 2013, 8:37 dop.
Naga sadhus, or Hindu holymen, run to attend the first 'Shahi Snan' (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 14, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will again return to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) TEMPLATE OUT Published: Led. 14, 2013, 7:37 dop.
Naga sadhus or Hindu holymen attend the first "Shahi Snan" (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 14, 2013. Upwards of a million elated Hindu holy men and pilgrims took a bracing plunge in India's sacred Ganges river to wash away lifetimes of sins on Monday, in a raucous start to an ever-growing religious gathering that is already the world's largest. REUTERS/Jitendra Prakash (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) TEMPLATE OUT Published: Led. 14, 2013, 8:43 dop.
Naga sadhus, or Hindu holymen, attend the first 'Shahi Snan' (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 14, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return again to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) TEMPLATE OUT Published: Led. 14, 2013, 7:26 dop.
Naga sadhus or Hindu holy men attend the first "Shahi Snan" (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 14, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return to Allahabad again in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) TEMPLATE OUT Published: Led. 14, 2013, 6:58 dop.
Naga Sadhus or Hindu Holymen take a dip during the first "Shahi Snan" (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 14, 2013. Upwards of a million elated Hindu holy men and pilgrims took a bracing plunge in India's sacred Ganges river to wash away lifetimes of sins on Monday, in a raucous start to an ever-growing religious gathering that is already the world's largest. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) TEMPLATE OUT Published: Led. 14, 2013, 1:39 odp.
Hindu devotees take dip during the first "Shahi Snan" (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 14, 2013. Upwards of a million elated Hindu holy men and pilgrims took a bracing plunge in India's sacred Ganges river to wash away lifetimes of sins on Monday, in a raucous start to an ever-growing religious gathering that is already the world's largest. REUTERS/Jitendra Prakash (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) Published: Led. 14, 2013, 12:11 odp.
Naga sadhus, or Hindu holymen, attend the first 'Shahi Snan' (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 14, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return again to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) TEMPLATE OUT Published: Led. 14, 2013, 7:28 dop.
Hindu devotees take a dip during the first "Shahi Snan" (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 14, 2013. Upwards of a million elated Hindu holy men and pilgrims took a bracing plunge in India's sacred Ganges river to wash away lifetimes of sins on Monday, in a raucous start to an ever-growing religious gathering that is already the world's largest. REUTERS/Jitendra Prakash (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) Published: Led. 14, 2013, 12:03 odp.
Hindu devotees wash themselves on the banks of the Ganges river ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival) in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 11, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION) Published: Led. 11, 2013, 10:04 dop.
Hindu devotees pray as they attend the first "Shahi Snan" (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 14, 2013. Upwards of a million elated Hindu holy men and pilgrims took a bracing plunge in India's sacred Ganges river to wash away lifetimes of sins on Monday, in a raucous start to an ever-growing religious gathering that is already the world's largest. REUTERS/Jitendra Prakash (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) Published: Led. 14, 2013, 8:29 dop.
A Hindu devotee prays as he takes a holy dip in the waters of the Ganges river ahead of the "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 10, 2013. During the festival, hundreds of thousands of Hindus take part in a religious gathering at the banks of the river Ganges. The festival is held every 12 years in different Indian cities. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) Published: Led. 10, 2013, 8:24 dop.
A boy unbuttons his shirt to take a holy dip in the waters of the Ganges river ahead of the "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 10, 2013. During the festival, hundreds of thousands of Hindus take part in a religious gathering at the banks of the river Ganges. The festival is held every 12 years in different Indian cities. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) Published: Led. 10, 2013, 8:32 dop.
A Hindu devotee prays before taking a dip in the waters of the holy Ganges river ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival) in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 11, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) Published: Led. 11, 2013, 10:24 dop.
Hindu devotees pray as they take a holy dip in the waters of the Ganges river ahead of the "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 10, 2013. During the festival, hundreds of thousands of Hindus take part in a religious gathering at the banks of the river Ganges. The festival is held every 12 years in different Indian cities. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) Published: Led. 10, 2013, 8:37 dop.
A man ferries a Hindu devotee in his boat over the Ganges river ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival), in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 11, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION) Published: Led. 11, 2013, 10:29 dop.
A man rows his boat in the waters of the Ganges river ahead of the "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 10, 2013. During the festival, hundreds of thousands of Hindus take part in a religious gathering at the banks of the river Ganges. The festival is held every 12 years in different Indian cities. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY TRANSPORT) Published: Led. 10, 2013, 8:39 dop.
Hindu devotees prepare to take a dip in the waters of the holy Ganges river ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival) in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 11, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION) Published: Led. 11, 2013, 9:57 dop.
A devotee gives money to an elephant during a religious procession near the banks of the river Ganges ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival) in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 11, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY ANIMALS) Published: Led. 11, 2013, 6:40 odp.
A sadhu, or Hindu holy man, drinks tea along the banks of the Ganges river ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival), in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 11, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION FOOD TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) Published: Led. 11, 2013, 10:09 dop.
A vendor carries garlands of marigold flowers to sell along the banks of the Ganges river ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival), in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 11, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION) Published: Led. 11, 2013, 10:21 dop.
A man transports garlands of marigold flowers on a trishaw along the banks of the Ganges river ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival), in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 11, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION) Published: Led. 11, 2013, 10:26 dop.
Hindu devotees apply oil on their bodies after taking a holy dip in river Ganges ahead of "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival) in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 12, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) Published: Led. 12, 2013, 3:26 odp.
A Sadhu, or a Hindu holy man, performs morning prayers on the banks of the river Ganges ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival) in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 13, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION) Published: Led. 13, 2013, 7:05 dop.
A Sadhu, or a Hindu holy man, smokes marijuana on a chillum on the banks of river Ganges ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival) in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 11, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) Published: Led. 11, 2013, 6:22 odp.
A Sadhu or a Hindu holy man applies ashes on his body after taking a dip during the first 'Shahi Snan' (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 14, 2013. Upwards of a million elated Hindu holy men and pilgrims took a bracing plunge in India's sacred Ganges river to wash away lifetimes of sins on Monday, in a raucous start to an ever-growing religious gathering that is already the world's largest. REUTERS/Jitendra Prakash (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) Published: Led. 14, 2013, 12:11 odp.
A vendor sells religious beads near the banks of river Ganges ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival) in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 12, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) Published: Led. 12, 2013, 3:32 odp.
A Hindu devotee holds his belongings aloft as he attends the first "Shahi Snan" (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 14, 2013. Upwards of a million elated Hindu holy men and pilgrims took a bracing plunge in India's sacred Ganges river to wash away lifetimes of sins on Monday, in a raucous start to an ever-growing religious gathering that is already the world's largest. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) Published: Led. 14, 2013, 8:41 dop.
Policemen stand in the waters of the Ganges river to maintain order during the first "Shahi Snan" (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 14, 2013. Upwards of a million elated Hindu holy men and pilgrims took a bracing plunge in India's sacred Ganges river to wash away lifetimes of sins on Monday, in a raucous start to an ever-growing religious gathering that is already the world's largest. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) Published: Led. 14, 2013, 2:01 odp.
Policemen mounted on their horses patrol during the first "Shahi Snan" (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 14, 2013. Upwards of a million elated Hindu holy men and pilgrims took a bracing plunge in India's sacred Ganges river to wash away lifetimes of sins on Monday, in a raucous start to an ever-growing religious gathering that is already the world's largest. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY ANIMALS) Published: Led. 14, 2013, 1:46 odp.
Hindu devotees pray as they attend the first 'Shahi Snan' (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 14, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return again to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) Published: Led. 14, 2013, 7:34 dop.
Naga sadhus, or Hindu holymen, arrive to attend the first 'Shahi Snan' (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 14, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return again to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Jitendra Prakash (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) Published: Led. 14, 2013, 7:39 dop.
A Hindu priest holds an oil lamp as he performs evening prayers near the banks of river Ganges ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival) in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 12, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) Published: Led. 12, 2013, 3:18 odp.
Men walk amid the smoke of an anti-mosquito gas near the banks of river Ganges ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival) in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 11, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) Published: Led. 11, 2013, 6:19 odp.
A man rides a cycle rickshaw amid a cloud of anti-mosquito smoke near the banks of the river Ganges ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival) in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 11, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) Published: Led. 11, 2013, 6:46 odp.
Sadhus, or Hindu holy men, take part in a religious procession near the banks of the river Ganges ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival) in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 11, 2013. During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return to Allahabad in 12 years. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) Published: Led. 11, 2013, 6:54 odp.
REFILE - CORRECTING BYLINE Hindu devotees arrive to attend the first "Shahi Snan" (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 14, 2013. Upwards of a million elated Hindu holy men and pilgrims took a bracing plunge in India's sacred Ganges river to wash away lifetimes of sins on Monday, in a raucous start to an ever-growing religious gathering that is already the world's largest. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) Published: Led. 14, 2013, 8:34 dop.
A policeman mounted on his horse maintains order during the first "Shahi Snan" (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 14, 2013. Upwards of a million elated Hindu holy men and pilgrims took a bracing plunge in India's sacred Ganges river to wash away lifetimes of sins on Monday, in a raucous start to an ever-growing religious gathering that is already the world's largest. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY ANIMALS TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) Published: Led. 14, 2013, 2:05 odp.