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Photograph of a large crowd bathing in a river at a Kumbh Mela shahi snaan. In the centre, a bare-backed figure with long dreadlocked hair kneels in the water with arms raised and hands on the head, facing a ring of devotees. Around them, many people in white and orange clothing, rudraksha and bead garlands, and red and white garments wade or stand in the water. Behind them a dense crowd on the banks holds red flags and yellow and saffron banners, and many people raise cameras or phones. The scene reflects a river ritual bathing gathering.

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A large crowd gathers waist-deep in a river for a ritual bath at the Ujjain Kumbh Mela. In the centre, a long-haired figure with dreadlocks and bare back stands facing away in the water, with arms bent at the elbows and a bangle on the wrist. Around them, men in white dhotis and rudraksha malas and women in white and red saris, some with gold necklaces, hold up hands and raise trishul-tipped staffs. Many devotees wave red and saffron flags along the riverbank and on the sides, with a canopy and tents visible behind the crowd.2016-05-21Large 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 20162016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21A large crowd stands along the banks and in shallow water of a river, with many people crowded behind and around a central water area. In the centre, a figure with long dark dreadlocks and gold necklaces stands waist-deep in the water, bending forward with cupped hands. Around him, many people wear white dhotis and garlands, with rudraksha malas and gold necklaces, some standing in water with hands folded. Red flags on tall poles rise above the crowd, and a silver trident is held up on the right. Several photographers and cameras are visible among the crowd.2016-05-21Large crowd gathered on the bank and in shallow river water at a Kumbh Mela shahi snaan. Central foreground, a long-haired figure with dreadlocks stands waist-deep facing away from camera, hands raised toward a group of white-robed and saffron-clad sadhus and devotees wearing rudraksha malas and gold necklaces. Several men in white dhotis and saffron robes stand in water around them. Behind, many spectators hold up phones and cameras, and red and orange flags, umbrellas and a decorated canopy rise above the crowd. A large printed banner with a portrait is visible at upper left.2016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21May 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 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.2016-05-21