MASS IMMERSION.
A MILLION HINDU PILGRIMS. PLUNGE INTO ICY, SACRED RIVER (United Press Association —Copyright) CALCUTTA, January 8. There was an amazing scene near Allahabad at dawn this morning, when more than 1,000,000 devout Hindus, after sleeping in the open all the bitterly cold night, clad in thin cotton clothing,, plunged into the icy waters at the confluence of the sacred rivers Ganges and Jumna, in the belief that their past sins would be washed away and they would gain great future blessings. The festival, known as Kumbh Mela, occurs every 12 years and attracts pilgrims from all oyer India. The Government had stationed special British and Indian officials, with 100 doctors, nurses aud ambulances, to assist the devotees, many of whom were aged and sick and devoutly believe that their immersion will cure their ills and restore their youth. Special roads and railway stations had been constructed to accommodate the rush. The pilgrims are expected to number 3,000,000 by January 24, the last day of the festival.
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Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 74, 9 January 1936, Page 5
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168MASS IMMERSION. Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 74, 9 January 1936, Page 5
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