11:23 AM Sunday Feb 10, 2013

...Tens of millions (click here) of Hindus are expected to plunge into India's sacred river Ganges to wash away their sins on the most auspicious day of the world's largest religious festival.

Organisers estimated some 30 million ash-smeared saints, devotees and visitors would take a dip in the swirling, freezing river at the festival in Allahabad in northern Uttar Pradesh state.

Sunday, when the water is considered to be the holiest and most auspicious, is "the most crucial day for the pilgrims and for police'', police officer Ajit Tyagi said.

The biggest concern is crowd control, he added.

"We have to make sure everyone is safe.''...