Millions of pilgrims come to Ganges shore for the biggest religious festival in the world by Zuzana Zelenakova

On Wednesday, the shore of the sacred Indian river Ganges in in the city of Varanasi were teeming with millions of Hindu pilgrims who came to bath in the river. The 104-days event is known as the biggest religious festival in the world and takes place every three years. "Everything is going very smoothly and there has been no problem with any unruly mobs," said Ashok Sharma, a press spokesman for the event. "More than one crore (10 million) people are bathing today." For Hindus, the Ganges is not just a river, but rather a goddess, powerful force uniting in itself the most important aspects of Indian culture and tradition. The water from the river is believed to have the p! ower to wash away all the past sins and cure the ill. Similarly as a visit to Mekka for Muslims, Hindus believe they have to take a bath in the Ganges at least once in their lifetime. Many keep a vial filled with the sacred water in their homes, it is also because when someone is dying he or she will be able to drink tha water and thus cleanse his or her soul. Famous Beatle George Harrison wished to have his ashes scattered into the river. He became fascinated with the Indian culture and Hinduism in the 60s and embraced Hare Krishna tradition. Pilgrims coming to the Ganges are led to the water by several hundreds of holy men, the naked "naga sadhus" who consider themselves guradians of the faith. They bestow religious instructions and blessings on people, they are also called to settle conflicts or disputes within families or communities. "It is confusing and chaotic and wonderful," said 22-year-old Peter Hans from Germany. "I think it is safe because the atmosphere is happ! y in a calm way, but the police are severe with the crowds." !
related story (sgx17015): http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100414/ts_afp/indiareligionfes...

by Zuzana Zelenakova for Cantell TV (http://cantell.tv)

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