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A large crowd gathers at a riverbank during a shahi snaan bathing ritual. In the foreground, a man stands waist-deep in brown water, wearing a maroon-red cloth over his shoulders, a large gold necklace with a gold ornament, and gold armbands. Around him, many people in white, saffron and red garments wear beaded and gold necklaces; several hold long silver staffs and red flags are raised above the crowd. A bright red umbrella and streamers stand against a clear sky with trees and utility poles behind. The man is not evidently a clear appearance-based match to any candidate, so identity is left unspecified and described by role only as a bather in the ritual. The water is murky and sunlit.

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May 21 20162016-05-21A large crowd gathers on the bank and in the shallow water of a river during a bathing ritual. In the foreground a man with long dark hair wears a maroon garment and heavy gold necklaces, standing waist-deep in water with one hand extended. Behind him people in white and red robes, some with rudraksha malas and gold garlands, stand in the water holding tall silver tridents and staffs. Many red and orange flags fly above the dense crowd, and some spectators hold up cameras and phones under a clear sky.2016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21Outdoor photograph of a large crowd wading into shallow water at a river or riverbank, with many people holding red flags and raising hands. In the centre, a bare-chested man with short dark hair stands waist-deep wearing a maroon-red cloth, heavy gold necklaces and gold bangles, with his hands raised to his head. Around him, people in white dhotis with gold-bordered cloths and maroon shawls hold silver staffs and a trident-like silver staff. Power poles, speakers and a blue sky are in the background.2016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21A man wearing a deep maroon dhoti and heavy gold ornaments, including a large gold necklace and gold armlets, stands waist-deep in water with cupped hands lifting water, eyes lowered. Around him, a large crowd of devotees gathers on a riverbank under a blue sky, with many people in white and saffron-red clothing and rudraksha-style beaded necklaces. Red flags on poles rise above the crowd, and a trident-like staff is visible on the right. Several people in the water hold ritual items, and onlookers photograph the scene from the bank.2016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21Large crowd gathered in shallow river water at a riverbank festival, with a central man standing waist-deep wearing a maroon-red dhoti-wrap, heavy gold-coloured necklaces and bangles, and his arms raised, while surrounding men and women in white and cream garments with maroon shawls, some holding a tall silver staff, wade and stand close around him. Many spectators on the banks and in the water photograph the scene with phones, and saffron and red flags, tents and banners stand along the background. Scene reads as a ritual immersion or bathing rite.2016-05-21