Kumbha Mela
2001 Photo Gallery - Page 4 |
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More photos taken on January 9, 2001 - the first bathing day. |
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| Pilgrims at the Sangam ghat. The specially prepared shallow area in this part of the Sangam makes it possible for bathers to walk much further out before encountering the rope barrier. For a minimum of Rs15 per person, boats take pilgrims to the centre of the Ganga. These boats can be seen bunched together in the background. | |
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Taking a dip in
the freezing waters at the Sangam. Woman in foreground is preparing to take
home holy Ganga water in the plastic container. The poles and rope prevent
bathers from going too far out and being washed away. Men in boats
displaying a flag are placed every few hundred meters along the barrier to
keep watch. |
Since there is no big rush here, this man after having his holy dip can afford to change right at the ghat itself. I have come across a number of older people in this country who suffer from thyroid problems. This photograph does not show the extent of the bulge in the neck of the man pictured here. Note the sandbags that the Kumbh mela administration has put in place to facilitate bathing. |
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A priest with the necessary paraphernalia for conducting post bathing rites. Most pilgrims choose to miss out on this bit, for them a dip in the Ganga is Grace enough. This is a lucrative business and so to prevent fraudsters, he has been licensed, note the badge he is wearing. |
Saris being
dried for the next dip tomorrow. |
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certain orderliness prevails, despite the rush. The floating multi-coloured
mass in the water are flower offerings from pilgrims. |
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