Vast streams of pilgrims from far and wide have poured into Allahabad in northern India for one of the high points of the great Hindu festival, the Kumbh Mela.
Published:
14 January 2001 y., Sunday
Some eight million people are expected to bathe in the Ganges river on Sunday - known as Royal Bath Day - which Hindu astrologers regard as particularly auspicious for washing away past sins.
The pilgrims were due to be led to the water just before dawn by naked ascetics belonging to one of the seven main Hindu orders.
They are bathing at what is considered to be one of the holiest spots in India - the confluence of the Ganges with two other mythical rivers, the Yamuna and Saraswati.
Thousands of police have been deployed to maintain order since the Maha Kumbh Mela - or Great Pitcher Festival - began earlier in the week.
Twelve years ago, when the event last took place, 40 people were crushed in a stampede. Organisers estimate that as many as 70 million people may attend the festival by the time it reaches its climax early next month.
Šaltinis:
BBC News
Copying, publishing, announcing any information from the News.lt portal without written permission of News.lt editorial office is prohibited.
The most popular articles
75 years after Moscow first opened its underground train system, Muscovites can ride a restored vintage train.
more »
A glacier melt threatens to cause massive flooding and destroy a centuries old monastic fortress in the remote country of Bhutan.
more »
What do countries as geographically diverse as Saudi Arabia, Uganda and Jamaica have in common? All of them criminalised homosexuality.
more »
Human rights is a key issue for the European Parliament and MEPs Monday took a first look at what the European Union did last year, when they discussed the EU annual report on human rights in the world.
more »
Researchers found high levels of mecury in a Japenese dolphin-hunting town, but say the mecury has no ill effects.
more »
Crowds of Mexicans marched peacefully through the capital city on Saturday demanding the legalisation of marijuana.
more »
Prisoners are reported to have dramatic improvements in behaviour after pets are introduced in a new scheme.
more »
Israeli Ultra-Orthodox MPs are lining up against activists proposing a total ban on furs, saying traditional fur hats are an important part of their religious tradition.
more »
EU Member States should organise social protection, including at least 14 weeks' maternity allowance, for self-employed women and self-employed men's wives or life partners, in accordance with national laws, said the Women's Rights Committee on Tuesday.
more »
How are the European Parliament, the European Commission and other parts of the European Union supposed to interest people and explain their work?
more »