Thursday marked the first bathing date during which pilgrims converge in large numbers to perform ritual dips in the Ganges River that hundreds of thousands of people believe washes away sins. There were no reports of any stampede or trouble on Thursday, but authorities had already tightened security and crowd management measures. More than 1 million police, paramilitary troops and volunteers have been enlisted for the event, which runs until March 24. "We have increased the capacity of our control rooms manifold and are working with all agencies to ensure safety," said Alok Verma, the local police chief. Pilgrims, mostly men and boys, were seen taking extra care while converging on the riverside, some walking in lines led by volunteers. The previous day's stampede occurred at a railway crossing close to where pilgrims bathe in the Ganges.

Thursday marked the first bathing date during which pilgrims converge in large numbers to perform ritual dips in the Ganges River that hundreds of thousands of people believe washes away sins. There were no reports of any stampede or trouble on Thursday, but authorities had already tightened security and crowd management measures. More than 1 million police, paramilitary troops and volunteers have been enlisted for the event, which runs until March 24. "We have increased the capacity of our control rooms manifold and are working with all agencies to ensure safety," said Alok Verma, the local police chief. Pilgrims, mostly men and boys, were seen taking extra care while converging on the riverside, some walking in lines led by volunteers. The previous day's stampede occurred at a railway crossing close to where pilgrims bathe in the Ganges.