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
Bulgaria's annual Festival of Humour took place today, poking fun at the global recession.
more »
The Belgian city of Ghent is going green by urging its residents to eat more greens. Ethical Vegetarian Alternative campaigners want them to go veggie every Thursday They say that if the whole city did that for a year it could save the equivalent carbon emissions of 20,000 cars.
more »
Baking is something David Muniz and David Lesniak know a thing or two about.
Originally from the States, the pair moved to Britain two years ago and have been supplying London with their American-style cakes ever since.
more »
A collection of 16th and 17th century torture devices is up for auction in New York. Judging by some of the items for sale, we've come a long way.
more »
Despite vigorous efforts, men and women do not always get the same start or benefit from the same opportunities.
more »
Across Europe the amount of time new mums can have off after the birth of their child varies from 14 weeks to 2 years.
more »
As the world No.1 carmaker announced billions in losses, an increasing number of auto industry workers near its Toyota City are hungry and sleeping in tents after losing their jobs and homes.
more »
With a media turnout worthy of a superpower summit in the lobby of Trump Tower in New York City - Donald Trump - the Miss USA pageant owner - decided the fate of Miss California USA Carrie Prejean.
more »
A conversation is taking place across Europe as people use choice boxes to record their questions and comments on what the European Union should be doing ahead of the European elections from 4-7 June.
more »
MTV teams up with EU on campaign to encourage young people to vote.
more »