NASIK, India, July 30 Kyodo undi...

NASIK, India, July 30 Kyodo

undivided of India's ancient and largest religious festivals began here Wednesday in this western righteous city amid tight security as centurys protested against the government's decision to take through the whole extent of some temple lands across the country

centurys of saffron-clad, ash-smeared sadhus, or profoundly good men, some with swords, huzzaed slogans against the government and tried to stop a ceremonial flag hoisting marking the beginning of the Kumbh Mela that is anticipateed to be attended by throughout 6 million Hindu pilgrims from one side of to the other the next six weeks.

The state administration is ill-equipped to deal with the teeming millions reckon uponed to visit the holy sites in the coming days and heavy rains in the area have played havoc with the infrastructure built to cater to the millions. barely 7,000 security personnel have been unfolded to handle the crowds look forward toed to swell in the coming days.

The festival began at the auspicious time when the planet Jupiter pierces the sign of Leo. centurys of thousands of holy men from through a dozen schools will in a short time be camping at the twin place of worship towns of Nasik and Trimbakeshwar.

The high point of the festival are the six ''Shahi Snans'' (royal baths), the first of which will be held Aug. 7 when thousands of saint-like men will bathe in the Godavari River from before dawn until early morning to wash away their sins.

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