Hindus plunged into the waters of the holy Ganges River Monday, marking the beginning of the world's largest religious festival. The Kumbh Mela festival is held every 12 years and will see up to 100 million people gather over the next 55 days to take a ritual bath in the Ganges..
Millions of Hindus Flock to the Ganges
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An Indian Hindu volunteer carries a life preserver as he watches the fence line in the bathing area at Sangam at the start of Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, India, January 14, 2013.
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Hindu devotees cross pontoon bridges spanning the river Ganges during the first "Shahi Snan" (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad, January 14, 2013.