Millions of Hindus Seek Absolution

Jan. 24 -- They have been coming to Allahabad, India for days to bathe in the holy Ganges River as part of Maha Kumbh Mela, a six-week long religious festival.

Some came by train. Others arrived by camel. And many more traveled for days on foot for the holy festival that occurs once every 12 years. Everyone from national leaders to poor villagers came. They believe that bathing in the river washes away their sins, ends the cycle of reincarnation and accelerates the path to the afterlife. The festival's climax came Tuesday afternoon; the start of a new moon. On Tuesday and Wednesday, nearly 30 million people bathed in the river, and over the course of the festival, nearly 70 million people will do so.

They Come From Many Miles Away

"I've bathed in the Ganges on the most auspicious day," one man said after his dip. "Now I'll go to heaven when I die."

"It just feels great! I'm excited! There's nothing in the world I could give up for this, really," said a man who brought his entire family from England to participate.

Hindu scripture says that gods, in an ancient battle in the sky with demons, spilled a few drops of the nectar of eternal life into the river.

Early this morning, about 180,000 holy men paraded down to the river. Many were completely naked and smeared with ashes, which they consider signs that they've renounced the desires of this world. These holy men, whose predecessors fought to defend Hinduism against invaders, today drove off photographers who got too close to the holy river ritual.

A Logistical Challenge

The logistics of the festival are staggering. Lining the river is an 18-square mile tent city that stretches over the horizon; 15 pontoon bridges; 15,000 streetlights; what's thought to be the world's most extensive loudspeaker system; 20,000 police; and dozens of watchtowers.

At least 30,000 people have been separated from their families in the chaos since Tuesday.

"I turned around at the river and my family was gone," one woman said.