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Almost 15 million people take holy dip on first day in India’s Maha Kumbh festival

WEB DESK: Tens of thousands of Hindus seeking absolution of their sins are immersing themselves in freezing waters at the convergence of sacred rivers as India begins the six-week Kumbh Mela festival

Authorities expect Monday’s first ritual dip in the city of Prayagraj in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh to draw more than 2.5 million visitors.

This will be followed by a “royal bath” on Tuesday reserved for ascetics, in the belief that it absolves them of sin and confers salvation from the cycle of life and death.

“I feel great joy,” Surmila Devi, 45, told media. “For me, it’s like bathing in nectar.”

The religious event attracts more than 400 million visitors, both Indians and tourists.

Organizing authorities are calling this year’s event the great or “maha” Kumbh Mela.