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A large crowd of devotees gathers on a riverbank at a Kumbh Mela shahi snan. In the centre, a man stands waist-deep in water in a dark maroon dhoti-style cloth, wringing out long dark hair with both raised hands, wearing layered gold necklaces and bangles. Around him, many people in white dhotis and saffron or maroon shawls, adorned with rudraksha-style beaded garlands, stand in the water holding tall silver staffs. Behind them, a dense crowd with red and orange flags, umbrellas and many photographers with cameras watches. Dozens of people are visible, mostly in the water and on the bank.

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May 21 20162016-05-21A photograph of a shahi snaan at a river ghat during a Kumbh Mela event. In the center, a man with long dreadlocked hair and a gold necklace wades waist-deep in water with his arms raised, a devotee in a dark maroon cloth beside him. Around him, sadhus and devotees in maroon, orange and white robes, many with rudraksha malas and garlands, stand in the shallows with hands folded. A crowd of onlookers with red and saffron flags and many photographers packs the riverbank behind them. The scene is crowded with dozens of visible people.2016-05-21Outdoor photograph of a large crowd gathered at a riverbank during a ritual bathing scene. In the centre, a man with long dark hair, wearing a maroon-brown cloth and a heavy gold necklace, stands waist-deep in water with both arms raised. Around him, many people wear white dhotis and shawls with maroon or red borders, rudraksha-style garlands and gold necklaces, some holding ceremonial staffs and silver implements. Red and orange flags, a red umbrella and a few onlookers with cameras fill the background, with trees and a structure at the top edge.2016-05-21A large crowd gathers at the water's edge during a ritual bath. In the centre, a bare-backed man in a deep maroon cloth stands waist-deep in water with long dark wet hair, raising both arms as water is poured over his head. Around him, many devotees wear red, orange and white garments and gold-coloured garlands; several raise their arms in celebration. Red flags and red-and-white umbrellas rise above the crowd, and a decorated palanquin appears in the background. Many photographers hold cameras, and a poster of a deity hangs on a pole at upper left.2016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21A large crowd gathers on the bank and in shallow water at a river ghat during a Kumbh Mela shahi snaan. A central figure stands waist-deep in water, bare-chested, wearing a maroon cloth and a heavy gold necklace, with long black wet hair swept forward and water spraying around him. Around him, many people in white and orange clothing, rudraksha malas and garlands stand in the water, some with hands raised in greeting. Red and orange flags and banners rise above the spectators, and many onlookers hold cameras and phones.2016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21Outdoor photo of a large crowd gathered at a water bank during a river bathing ritual. In the centre, a man with long dark hair stands waist-deep in water, wearing a maroon-red dhoti or wrap and a heavy gold necklace, with one arm raised. Around him, many people in white and cream clothing with gold and rudraksha-style necklaces wade in the river, some holding tall ceremonial staffs. Onlookers crowd the bank behind, many holding up cameras and phones. Red flags, red and orange umbrellas and a decorated palanquin-style canopy are visible, with buildings and rooftop spectators in the background.2016-05-21A 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.2016-05-21Photograph of a large crowd at a river or water ritual. In the centre, a bare-chested man with long dark hair raised in a bun stands waist-deep in water, arms lifted, wearing a maroon cloth and gold necklaces. Around him, many people in white, saffron and maroon garments and rudraksha-style beads press close while water splashes. Red flags and umbrellas rise above the crowd, and many people hold cameras and phones. Background includes buildings and trees.2016-05-21