Vast streams of pilgrims from far and wide have poured into Allahabad in northern India for one of the high points of the great Hindu festival, the Kumbh Mela.

Some eight million people are expected to bathe in the Ganges river on Sunday - known as Royal Bath Day - which Hindu astrologers regard as particularly auspicious for washing away past sins. The pilgrims were due to be led to the water just before dawn by naked ascetics belonging to one of the seven main Hindu orders. They are bathing at what is considered to be one of the holiest spots in India - the confluence of the Ganges with two other mythical rivers, the Yamuna and Saraswati. Thousands of police have been deployed to maintain order since the Maha Kumbh Mela - or Great Pitcher Festival - began earlier in the week. Twelve years ago, when the event last took place, 40 people were crushed in a stampede. Organisers estimate that as many as 70 million people may attend the festival by the time it reaches its climax early next month.