Millions bathe at Hindu festival
Wednesday, 3 January 2007

Several million Hindus have taken part in day one of the Ardh Kumbh festival in northern India, officials say.

Devotees braved the cold to bathe at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna holy rivers near Allahabad.

Rituals began at daybreak - Hindus believe the holy dip washes away sins. The festival, held every 12 years, is one of the world's largest gatherings.

A city of tents will house an expected 60 million pilgrims over the next six weeks and security is tight. the rest