Millions of Hindus take holy dip in Ganges River

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Ash-smeared and naked Hindu saints led millions of devotees Wednesday in a pre-dawn holy dip in frigid temperatures at the confluence of three major rivers in north India, starting a weeks-long pilgrimage to wash away their sins.

 

Chanting religious hymns and "Har Har Gange," or "Long Live the Ganges (River)," a multitude of men, women and children jumped into the water at 4:54 a.m., a moment chosen as auspicious by Hindu priests. (AP)