Millions of Hindus Take Holy Bath
ALLAHABAD, India — Brandishing swords and tridents, thousands of naked Hindu holy men plunged into the freezing Ganges River on Wednesday, joining 32 million others in taking a dip on the most sacred day of the Kumbh festival.
Drawn by an auspicious planetary arrangement their priests say occurs only once in 144 years, the millions of Hindu pilgrims want to fulfill lifelong dreams of bathing in the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers to wash away sins and have prayers answered.
The 42-day Kumbh Mela festival, which takes place every 12 years, began Jan. 9. The crowds of worshipers have swelled, leading up to the most auspicious Royal Bathing Day.
Festival administrator Jeevesh Nandan said at least 32 million people had bathed in the river.
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