Pilgrims in Allahabad wading into the Holy Waters of the Ganges, from PBS at pbs.org.

In India, as with many other nations and/or religions, water is considered valuable for more than its hydrating properties. In fact, three of India’s rivers are considered to be holy: the Yamuna, – which runs by the Taj Mahal – the Ganges, and the Saraswati. Every twelve years a 55-day celebration known as Kumbh Mela occurs where these three rivers meet in Allahabad. The most recent of these celebrations occurred February 2013. For more information on the festival and its participants, please visit: http://www.npr.org/2013/02/12/171735743/in-the-waters-of-indias-holy-rivers-seeking-a-glimpse-of-immortality?sc=17&f=1001