putt-putting down the Ganges in Varanasi, where the river takes a turn north before flowing into the Bay of Bengal. Called Benares by the British, this ancient pilgrimage center is the holiest ...

The sacred city of Varanasi, on the River Ganges ... Hindu holy men attend the pilgrimage and lead processions into the Ganges. Hindus hope that this pilgrimage will make them blessed by God ...

The most famous Hindu pilgrimage is the Kumbh Mela, which takes place at the River Ganges in India. Up to 40 million people come to purify themselves in the water, the biggest gathering of people ...

Hindu pilgrims take a dip along the banks of Sangam ... chillum', a traditional clay pipe as he sits in his tent near river Ganges, ahead of the Maha Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj on December ...

Diya-lit Boat Procession: A unique tradition during Diwali in Varanasi is the diya-lit boat procession on the Ganges. Locals and pilgrims float small, earthen lamps in the river, creating a ...