Nearly 30 million devout Hindus plunged into the cold waters of
India's holy Ganges river to wash away their sins at the climax of a six-week religious festival.
Mr Jeevesh Nandan, officer in charge of the ancient Maha Kumbh Mela, or Great Pitcher Festival, said today 27 million people had bathed in the Ganges since the festival's most auspicious time began yesterday afternoon.
Hindus believe that a bath in the Sangam, or confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna river and the mythical Saraswati river absolves sin, ends the cycle of reincarnation and speeds the way to nirvana or afterlife.
Today is seen as the most auspicious day of the 42-day Maha Kumbh as it coincides with the start of a new moon.
Mr Nandan said the bathing had taken place without a major hitch despite fears of a stampede and worry that anti-government guerrillas might launch an attack.
Hundreds of naked Naga Sadhus surged towards the Sangam as day broke over the northern town of Allahabad. A sea of humanity on the flood plains of the Ganges waited their turn to enter the river.
The Naga Sadhus, wearing just marigold garlands, raced to the edge of the water, brandishing sticks at passers-by. Some of them sprinkled sand over their bodies and then joyfully jumped into the river.
The dreadlocked nagas, who live in caves in forests and exist on roots and plants, have traditionally occupied a prominent place in the Kumbh bathing order.
Members of Hindu religious orders paraded with elephants, horses and brightly decorated vehicles while marching bands played on the river bank.
About 11,000 policemen have been deployed to keep order at the festival.
Reuters