Skip to content
Nithyanandapedia
A large crowd gathers on the bank and in shallow water at a river ghat during a Kumbh Mela shahi snaan. A central figure stands waist-deep in water, bare-chested, wearing a maroon cloth and a heavy gold necklace, with long black wet hair swept forward and water spraying around him. Around him, many people in white and orange clothing, rudraksha malas and garlands stand in the water, some with hands raised in greeting. Red and orange flags and banners rise above the spectators, and many onlookers hold cameras and phones.

More like this

Open the gallery
May 21 20162016-05-21A large crowd of many hundreds gathers on the banks and in shallow water during a river bathing ritual. In the foreground, a person with long wet dreadlocks, wearing a red-brown cloth and gold bangles, bends forward and dips into the water, water splashing from the hair. Around them, devotees in white dhotis and cloths, many with rudraksha malas and gold necklaces, stand waist-deep, and women in white and red saris wait nearby. Red and saffron flags rise above the crowd, and photographers hold cameras at the edges.2016-05-21A large crowd of devotees gathers on a riverbank at a Kumbh Mela shahi snan. In the centre, a man stands waist-deep in water in a dark maroon dhoti-style cloth, wringing out long dark hair with both raised hands, wearing layered gold necklaces and bangles. Around him, many people in white dhotis and saffron or maroon shawls, adorned with rudraksha-style beaded garlands, stand in the water holding tall silver staffs. Behind them, a dense crowd with red and orange flags, umbrellas and many photographers with cameras watches. Dozens of people are visible, mostly in the water and on the bank.2016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21A large crowd gathers at a riverbank during a shahi snaan bathing ceremony. In the foreground a figure with long matted dreadlocks is submerged in shallow water, facing a group of men and women standing waist-deep around them. Several men wear white dhotis with rudraksha malas and gold-coloured garlands, and some wear maroon or rust-coloured shawls. Behind them a dense crowd holds up red and orange flags and many people raise cameras and phones. One man at left holds a long white staff. The scene is outdoors in bright daylight with trees behind the crowd.2016-05-21A large crowd gathers around a river bathing ghat during a ritual immersion. In the centre, a man with long black matted hair and gold necklaces stands waist-deep in the water, facing away, with his hands in the water. Around him, many people in white and saffron dhotis and shawls stand chest-deep in the river, wearing rudraksha and beaded malas. Behind them, a dense crowd of devotees and photographers lines the bank, with red and orange flags and a silver trident-topped staff rising above the crowd. The scene suggests a sacred bathing ceremony.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.2016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21A large crowd of devotees gathers around a river or tank at a Kumbh Mela-style bathing event. In the centre, a bare-chested man with long dreadlocked hair stands waist-deep in the water, pouring water from a vessel, surrounded by white-clad devotees in water. Many people wear white dhotis and rudraksha malas, with some in orange and red clothing. Tall red and saffron flags, a trident and a decorated palanquin or ratha appear at the edges, with onlookers and photographers packed along the banks.2016-05-21A large crowd gathers at the edge of a shallow river or water body during a bathing ceremony. In the centre, a figure with long dark dreadlocked hair and a dark red cloth stands waist-deep in the water, facing the group. Around them, many people in white dhotis and white garments with rudraksha and beaded necklaces wade in the water, some with hands raised. Red and saffron flags with a trident symbol rise above the crowd, and devotees and onlookers, some photographing, fill the riverbank behind them under a clear sky.2016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21