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A large crowd of devotees bathes in a river at a Kumbh Mela shahi snaan. In the foreground a bare-chested man in a maroon cloth and heavy gold garlands stands waist-deep in water with his hands pressed together near his face. Around him, men and women in white and saffron cloths, rudraksha and gold necklaces, and kumkum-marked foreheads stand in the water. Red and saffron flags rise above the crowd, and a silver trident stands at the right edge beside a man in white. Many people in the background hold cameras and phones on the riverbank under a clear blue sky.

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May 21 20162016-05-21A large crowd stands waist-deep in water at a riverside ghat during a ritual bathing event. In the foreground, a bare-chested man with a gold necklace, bangles and a red-and-maroon cloth knots a dipping gesture, his hand raised near his face. Around him, men in white dhotis and maroon sashes and women in white and colourful saris, many with garlands and gold jewellery, stand in the water. Red and saffron flags, a blue ceremonial umbrella and a large trident are visible above the crowd, with trees, lamp posts and loudspeakers along the bank under a blue sky.2016-05-21A large outdoor crowd gathers at a riverbank or waterfront during a ritual bathing event, with many people wading into shallow water. In the centre, a man in a deep maroon wrap with a heavy gold necklace stands waist-deep in the water with his hands raised to his head. Around him, men and women in white dhotis and saffron or maroon shawls, some wearing marigold and rudraksha-style garlands, stand in the water. Red flags, red and orange banners, and umbrellas fill the background, with spectators lining a wall and rooftops behind them.2016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21A 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.2016-05-21A large crowd gathers at a riverbank during a ritual bathing event, with many devotees standing waist-deep in shallow water. In the foreground a man with shaved head wears a maroon-brown dhoti, a gold chain with ornate pendants and gold armlets, and holds his hands together near his face in prayer. Around him, men in white dhotis and maroon cloths and women in white and cream saris wear rudraksha-style beaded necklaces and garlands. Many people hold up mobile phones and cameras, and red and saffron flags with a silver trident are raised above the crowd. Tents and umbrellas line the background under a clear sky.2016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21Devotees wade into a river at a Kumbh Mela shahi snaan, with a large crowd lining the banks behind them under a clear sky. In the foreground, a bare-chested man in a maroon dhoti with gold necklaces and armbands stands waist-deep in the water, palms pressed together at his chest, eyes closed in prayer. Beside him, men in white dhotis with maroon shawls and women in cream and gold saris with garlands stand in the water, some holding long silver staffs. Red and saffron flags rise above the crowd, and photographers and onlookers gather along the shore.2016-05-21May 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.2016-05-21A 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.2016-05-21