More than 500 million people have taken a "holy dip" in sacred river waters in north India over the last four weeks as part of the Hindu Maha Kumbh festival, authorities said on Friday, greater than the population of most countries, APA reports citing Reuters.
Attendees at the six-week long event have ranged from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and federal ministers to industrialists such as Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani and artists including Chris Martin from British rock band Coldplay.
It was marred, however, by a stampede on its most auspicious day that killed dozens as they gathered at the confluence of three holy rivers to take a dip - a practice believed to absolve sins and confer salvation from the cycle of birth and death.
"This participation marks the largest congregation in human history for any religious, cultural, or social event," the government of Uttar Pradesh state, where the festival is being held, said in a statement.
With 12 days still remaining, the total count of visitors to the festival is expected to "soar beyond" 550 to 600 million, it said.
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