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Dozens of shaved-headed monks in rust-red and maroon robes stand waist-deep in a stone-edged water tank, many with arms raised high and fists clenched. Several hold ceremonial items: a silver trident, a golden staff and a silver-headed ceremonial staff rise above the group. A long-haired man in a rust-red robe and orange-beaded necklace stands at lower left, facing a bald monk at center right who holds a silver trident-shaped object, while the long-haired man extends his hands toward him. Rudraksha malas and wrist bands are visible.

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July 22 20132013-07-22July 22 20132013-07-22A group of saffron and maroon robed monks stand waist-deep in a pool of water, many holding silver ceremonial staffs topped with trident and axe-like finials. In the foreground, a man with long dark hair and a rudraksha mala wears a maroon wrap and holds a small ritual object in his hands, eyes lowered in concentration. Behind him, shaved-headed monks in orange and maroon garments hold ceremonial staffs and rudraksha malas, some wearing spectacles. The water is calm and grey-green, and the scene suggests a ritual immersion.2013-07-22A large group of shaved-headed men and boys stands waist-deep in a pool of greenish water, many wearing maroon and orange saffron-toned robes and orange or brown rudraksha-style beaded malas. Several have white ash or chalk marks on their heads and faces. A central man in glasses wears a white dhoti with a gold border and a gold necklace, his hands joined at his chest. Metal poles with a silver railing stand at the left edge, and a small child in orange sits in the water at the bottom. The scene appears to be a collective ritual bathing or immersion.2013-07-22A photograph of a sadhu with long matted dreadlocks bowing headfirst into shallow river water during a ritual bath. Around him, numerous saffron and orange-robed sadhus and devotees stand waist-deep, many wearing rudraksha and beaded necklaces and red-orange bangles. A man in a white dhoti and white shawl with a large beaded necklace stands at left near a red ceremonial staff topped with a pennant. Behind them stand pink temple walls, a green-topped structure, and blue sky. Crowd gathered on the bank, some holding phones.2016-04-22Outdoor photograph of a shahi snan bathing scene at a river ghat. A sadhu with long matted black dreadlocks, seen from behind, stands waist-deep in greenish water with his arms held by two saffron-robed attendants. Around them stand devotees and sadhus in orange and red robes with gold and rudraksha necklaces and red-beaded armbands, some holding a red-and-white flagpole and a green-and-red ceremonial umbrella. Orange temple walls and a spire rise behind under a clear blue sky.2016-04-22April 22 20162016-04-22April 28 20182018-04-28Devotees bathe in shallow river water at a Kumbh Mela shahi snan, many with arms raised and mouths open in shouting or chanting. A bald man in the foreground wears a rudraksha mala and orange garments and raises his hands. Women on the left wear white and maroon saris with gold necklaces and bangles. Behind them stands a pink-walled building with a yellow umbrella and saffron flags. Several people wear orange and maroon robes and gold chains.2016-04-22April 22 20162016-04-22Outdoor photograph of a sadhu bathing in a river at a Kumbh Mela shahi snan procession. In the foreground a man with long matted dreadlocks, wearing a rust-red cloth and gold armbands, is wading into the water with his head bowed. Behind him a robed figure in white with a gold necklace holds a red-and-gold ceremonial staff. A bald man in saffron-orange clothing with beaded malas and gold necklaces stands near the water, and several men in ochre and orange robes and beads watch. Behind them stands a red-and-cream building with an orange temple spire, and a crowd of onlookers and cameramen fills the background under a bright sky. A red ceremonial umbrella is visible at the top of the frame.2016-04-22April 22 20162016-04-22