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Thousands of Hindus take dip in holy waters to celebrate festive period

Tuesday 14 January 2014 13:08 GMT

An Indian monk (C) takes a holy dip in the Bay of Bengal at Sagar Island 130km south of Calcutta

In pictures: Thousands of Hindus take dip in holy waters to celebrate festive period

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1/10In pictures: Thousands of Hindus take dip in holy waters to celebrate festive period

In pictures: Thousands of Hindus take dip in holy waters to celebrate festive period

India

An Indian monk (C) takes a holy dip in the Bay of Bengal at Sagar Island 130km south of Calcutta

In pictures: Thousands of Hindus take dip in holy waters to celebrate festive period

India

A devotee collects holy water after taking a holy dip in the Bay of Bengal at Sagar Island 130km south of Calcutta

In pictures: Thousands of Hindus take dip in holy waters to celebrate festive period

India

A Nepalese devotee offers milk during prayers after taking a holy dip in the Bay of Bengal at Sagar Island

In pictures: Thousands of Hindus take dip in holy waters to celebrate festive period

India

An Indian monk applies 'holy tilak' after taking a holy dip in the Bay of Bengal at Sagar Island

In pictures: Thousands of Hindus take dip in holy waters to celebrate festive period

India

Indian Hindu monks performs holy prayers after taking a holy dip in the Bay of Bengal at Sagar Island

In pictures: Thousands of Hindus take dip in holy waters to celebrate festive period

India

Every year millions of pilgrims gather for a holy dip in the water

In pictures: Thousands of Hindus take dip in holy waters to celebrate festive period

India

Indian devotees receive holy food from a Hindu monk during a holy dip in the Bay of Bengal at Sagar Island

In pictures: Thousands of Hindus take dip in holy waters to celebrate festive period

India

Makar Sankranti, Pongal and Bhogali Bihu are being celebrated by people from all walks of life. The festival of Makar Sankranti traditionally coincides with the beginning of the Sun's northward journey, also known as the Uttarayan, when it enters the sign of Makar or Capricorn

In pictures: Thousands of Hindus take dip in holy waters to celebrate festive period

India

A Hindu pilgrim immerses his child at the confluence of the Ganges River and the Bay of Bengal, an act which they consider to be holy, on the occasion of the Makar Sankranti festival at Sagar Island

In pictures: Thousands of Hindus take dip in holy waters to celebrate festive period

India

Group of devotees are on their way to take a holy dip at Gangasagar for upcoming Gangasagar annual fair at Sagar Island 130km south of Calcutta

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