ALLAHABAD, India — Millions of devout Hindus led by naked ascetics with ash smeared on their bodies plunged into the frigid waters of India's holy Ganges River early this week in a ritual they believe ...

With her eyes sealed, Ramedi cupped the murky water of the Ganges River in her hands, lifted them toward the sun, and prayed for her husband, her 15 grandchildren and her bad hip. She, like the rest ...

Gulls land on the Ganges River in Varanasi, India, in 2015. (Debal Sen) Sudipta Sen visited Himalayan pilgrim towns along the Ganges River with his family as a 4-year-old, and ingested small teaspoons ...

VARANASI, India — Hindu priests stand on the banks of the Ganges, performing an evening prayer to the river. They wave fire as the sun sets, ring bells and tap on drums. Thousands watch, clap and ...

Hindus cleanse their sins by making an offering into a body of water. India’s Ganges River is the world’s most famous spot for this ritual, which is called “Ganga Pooja,” but the most common Queens ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Though officially abolished decades ago, the caste system still profoundly influences life in India. Those born into high castes ...

Religious activities continue throughout the day in Varanasi, India. People gather by the Ganges River for ceremonies. The flow of activity remains constant.