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A large outdoor crowd of many hundreds gathers at a riverbank for the Shahi Snaan at the Ujjain Kumbh Mela. In the foreground, a long-haired figure with dreadlocks and a dark wrap stands waist-deep in water with arms outstretched, surrounded by bare-chested sadhus in white dhotis and rudraksha necklaces, some in saffron cloth. Many people reach toward the central figure. Behind them, a dense mass of devotees holds red flags, and red and white umbrellas and tall banners line the bank, with photographers raising cameras above the crowd.

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May 21 20162016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21Large crowd gathered at a riverbank festival with many red and orange flags and parasols. In the foreground, a long-haired figure with bare back and dark hair hangs in the water, facing away, while men in white dhotis with rudraksha malas and women in saffron and red saris stand waist-deep in the water around them. Some people raise their hands and many photographers and onlookers line the shore. Crowd estimated in the hundreds, beyond the countable range for this scene.2016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21A large crowd gathers in shallow river water at a riverside ghat during a ritual bathing event. In the centre, a long-haired figure with bare shoulders and gold bangles stands waist-deep with arms raised, facing a group of devotees in white dhotis and rudraksha malas. Many people in white and saffron clothing wade in the water, while red flags, umbrellas and a palanquin-style canopy rise above the packed crowd on the bank. Photographers and spectators line the edges. The scene is a shahi snan-style water ritual, with many participants visible.2016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21Photograph of a large crowd gathered at the water's edge during a ritual bathing scene. In the centre, a figure with long dark matted hair and bare back stands waist-deep in greenish water, with hands raised, surrounded by many men wearing white dhotis and rudraksha malas, some with bare chests, plus women in saffron and orange saris. Behind them a dense crowd of onlookers holds red and orange flags and umbrellas, and a red-and-gold palanquin-like structure appears at the left edge. Some people hold cameras. Many faces are visible; the crowd is far larger than twenty-one.2016-05-21Photograph of a large crowd gathered at a riverbank ghat for a ritual bathing scene, with many people standing waist-deep in water. In the centre, a person with long dark matted hair faces away from the camera, arms raised, in the water. Around them, men in white dhotis and saffron-orange clothing, some bare-chested with rudraksha malas and gold-coloured necklaces, stand in the river. Many people hold up phones and cameras, and red and orange flags, umbrellas and a palanquin-style canopy appear in the background. The crowd is dense, with more devotees along the bank.2016-05-21