Everyday thousands of people bathe in the river with a fervent belief that the murky waters will wash away their sins.

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Up to 70m Hindus are expected to come to this city in eastern Uttar Pradesh to wash away their sins at one of the four spots where drops of the elixir of immortality fell from a pitcher as gods fought with demons to possess it.

ECONOMIST: Take me to the river

Epiphany, celebrated in January, helps wash sins away - in icy rivers and lakes - but not before another healthy dose of fortunetelling.

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