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A photo of a large crowd standing in a river at a ghat during a shahi snaan at a Kumbh gathering. In the centre, a long-haired figure with dreadlocks stands waist-deep in the water, facing away, with hands joined near the shoulders of a bald man in white who kneels before him. Around them, men in white dhotis wear ornate gold and beaded necklaces and rudraksha malas, and women in red and maroon saris with gold necklaces stand nearby. A man at right holds a silver trident. Behind, a dense crowd of devotees holds red and purple flags. The chest-high water is murky grey-green.

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May 21 20162016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21A large crowd gathers on the banks and in the water of a river at the Ujjain Kumbh Mela. In the centre, a figure with long dark matted hair and gold bangles stands waist-deep in the water, extending a hand over the surface. Around them, many people in white and red dhotis and saffron garments, some wearing rudraksha malas and gold necklaces, stand in the water with hands folded in devotion. A trident on a staff is raised at the right edge, and red flags and banners rise above the crowd. Photographers and onlookers line the water's edge in the background.2016-05-21May 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.2016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21A large crowd stands and wades in water at a river ghat during a ritual bathing event. In the centre, a figure with very long dark matted hair, bare-backed and facing away, is immersed in the water while devotees gather around. Several men in white dhotis with gold borders wear gold-coloured garlands and rudraksha malas, and some women in white and orange-red saris with gold-trimmed borders and gold necklaces stand in the crowd. A man in glasses and a white dhoti with a gold border leans in, and a shaved-headed man in an orange-red garment with rudraksha beads stands at the lower right. Onlookers watch from the bank behind, and a camera operator is visible near the top.2016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21Photograph of a ritual bathing scene in a river. In the foreground, a long-haired man with dreadlocks, bare-shouldered and wearing gold armlets and a beaded necklace, stands waist-deep in water holding a silver vessel and pouring water over a shaved-headed devotee kneeling in the water. Around them, several people in white and saffron dhotis, orange and red shawls, and gold and bead malas stand or wade in the water, while a dense crowd of onlookers, some holding cameras, watches from the bank.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.2016-05-21A large crowd gathers at a riverbank or water ritual, with many people standing waist-deep in water. In the centre, a figure with long dreadlocks and bare shoulders stands facing the group, with a second figure beside him. Around them, men in white dhotis wear long beaded garlands and rudraksha-style necklaces, and women in red and maroon saris also wear gold ornaments. Several people hold red and orange flags, and a trident stands at the right edge. Spectators and photographers fill the background on the bank and rooftops. This appears to be a snan or river bathing ritual during a sannyas-related event.2016-05-21