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A dense crowd of devotees stands waist-deep in a river during a Kumbh Mela bathing ritual. In the centre, a bare-backed man with long dark hair bent forward in the water, wearing gold armbands and a dark cloth, is being surrounded by people. Several sadhus wear saffron and orange robes and rudraksha malas. A white-clad man holds a long metal staff beside them. Many photographers with cameras crowd the water's edge, and red flags are raised above the crowd.

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A large crowd gathers around a river or bathing area at a Kumbh Mela style sacred bathing event. In the center, a figure with long matted dreadlocks is bent forward in the water, immersed with hands raised, surrounded by men and women in white and saffron-brown dhotis and clothes, with gold and bead malas around their necks. Several people in the water raise their hands and look toward the devotee, while many spectators on the bank hold up cameras and phones. Red and orange flags fly above the crowd, and a few people in white ritual attire stand near the water's edge.2016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21A large crowd gathers at a riverbank ritual where devotees stand waist-deep in water. Several people in white dhotis with gold-coloured necklaces and rudraksha malas wear red and maroon sashes, while others wear saffron-orange robes. A bare-backed man with long dark hair stands in the water facing a group, and a man in white pours or lifts an object at the water's edge. Red flags and parasols rise above the crowd, and many people hold up cameras and phones. Numerous spectators fill the background, with some wearing yellow and white.2016-05-21A photograph of a large crowd gathered in shallow river water, with many people wading and some raising hands in greeting. In the centre foreground, a figure with long dreadlocked hair, bare-backed and wearing a dark red garment with gold armbands, stands waist-deep facing the crowd with arms extended. Around them, devotees in white and cream dhotis and shawls, many wearing rudraksha-style beaded necklaces and red or maroon sashes, look toward them. Some hold long white poles or staffs, and red flags appear among the throng. Spectators behind hold up phones and cameras. The scene suggests a sacred bathing ritual with crowds of devotees.2016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21A large crowd gathers in shallow river water during a ritual bathing scene, with many participants wearing white dhotis and maroon or saffron shawls and bead necklaces. In the centre, a man with long dreadlocked hair bends forward in the water, while nearby a man in a white shawl and a woman in red and gold clothing raise their arms and smile. Red and saffron flags rise above the crowd, and many photographers with cameras press in from behind.2016-05-21A large crowd gathers at a river bathing ghat during a sacred bathing ritual. In the foreground, a bare-chested man with long dark dreadlocks and a gold necklace bends forward into the water, hands pressed together, as others stand waist-deep nearby. Around him, several people in saffron and orange robes, white dhotis and rudraksha malas stand in the water, some holding brass vessels. Behind them, a dense crowd of photographers and devotees lines the bank, many waving red and orange flags. Several people hold pots and offerings, and the water reflects the crowd's movement.2016-05-21A large crowd gathers on a riverbank as a central figure with long, dreadlocked hair stands waist-deep in water, facing away from the camera, with arms raised toward a group of saffron-robed and white-clad sadhus and devotees standing in the river. Several men wear white dhotis with rudraksha malas and gold necklaces, and some women wear orange saris. Many people hold red and saffron flags, and ornate umbrellas and a decorated pole are visible. Photographers with cameras press in along the bank.2016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21