Millions of Hindus bathe in Ganges during religious festivalJanuary 14, 2013 - 13:04 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Millions of devout Hindus have plunged into the holy Ganges River in India in a ritual they believe can wash away their sins, Belfast Telegraph reported. Today, January 14 is considered the most auspicious day of the Kumbh Mela, or Pitcher Festival, that lasts 55 days and is one of the world's largest religious gatherings. The day's significance is based on astrological signs. Top festival official Mani Prasad Mishra said nearly three million people bathed by late morning and 11 million were expected to enter the frigid water by day's end. Devout Hindus believe bathing in the Ganges during the festival can cleanse their sins and free them from the cycle of death and rebirth. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Putin congratulates Pashinyan’s birthday Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on his birthday on June 1. Opposition motorcade en route to Gyumri for large rally A motorcade of protesters headed by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan is heading to the city of Gyumri. Ruling MPs, Foreign Minister talk Armenia-Azerbaijan processes MOs from the ruling Civil Contract party met with the Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in the Armenian parliament. Russia: Armenia’s frozen membership weakens CSTO position in Caucasus A Russian envoy said any step that could alienate the CSTO member states from each other is “deeply wrong”. |