A Hindu priest applies sandalwood paste on his forehead at Sagar Island, 150 km (95 miles) south from the eastern indian city of Calcutta January 13. Thousands of pilgrims thronged to Sagar island for a holy dip at the confluence of the river Ganga and the Bay of Bengal on occasion of Makar Sankrinti, a Hindu festival on January 15. Devotees reach the island several days in advance.

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