Rajesh Kumar Singh / AP
A Hindu devotee is reflected in the water as makes an oil lamp offering on the River Ganges in Allahabad, India, during an evening ritual on Sept. 9. The Ganges is sacred in Hinduism and the faithful believe that bathing the river can cleanse them of their sins and free them from the cycle of life and rebirth.
Rajesh Kumar Singh / AP
Indian farmers carry their produce to the market along the Ganges River, in Allahabad, India, on April 9.
See more photos of camels on PhotoBlog.
Rajesh Kumar Singh / AP
A Sadhu, or a Hindu holy man, takes a dip at Sangam, confluence of the Rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, during the annual traditional fair of Magh Mela in Allahabad, India, Monday, Jan. 30, 2012. Hundreds of thousands of devout Hindus bathe at the confluence during the astronomically auspicious period of over 45 days celebrated as Magh Mela.
Rajesh Kumar Singh / AP
Indian Hindu holy men perform rituals inside a circle made of dried cow dung cakes at Sangam.
According to the Wikipedia article for Sadhu (the holy men pictured here):
Becoming a sadhu is a difficult lifestyle. Sadhus are considered to be dead unto themselves, and legally dead to the country of India. They may be required ritually to attend their own funeral before following a guru for many years, serving him by doing menial tasks until acquiring the necessary experience to leave his leadership.
Rajesh Kumar Singh / AP
Hindu devotees cross newly constructed temporary bridges at Sangam, the confluence of rivers Ganges and Yamuna, in Allahabad, India, Jan. 22. Hundreds of thousands of Hindu pilgrims take dips in the confluence, some hoping to wash away sins and others hoping to secure a fine spouse, during the month long festival.
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