Bathing in a river with 50 million people at the largest holy festival | 60 Minutes Australia

In 2010, the world's largest religious festival Kumbh Mela - celebrated in a cycle of approximately 12 years - was held in Haridwar, one of the holiest cities in India. For three months, 50 million pilgrims bathed in the Ganges River to cleanse their souls. *Synopsis | Taking the Plunge (2010)* Imagine Australia's population crammed into a city the size of Wollongong. Now consider what it would be like if every single visitor brought along a friend or two. That's what's been happening at Haridwar in Northern India over the past three months. Fifty million men, women and children have descended on the city to cleanse their souls in the sacred Ganges River. It's the biggest religious pilgrimage - ever. And, as Karl Stefanovic discovered, it's the biggest party, as well. *MORE VIDEOS like this one* FOLLOW 60 Minutes Australia ABOUT 60 Minutes Australia For over forty years, 60 Minutes Australia have been telling Australians the world’s greatest stories. Tales that changed history, our nation and our lives. Reporters Liz Hayes, Tom Steinfort, Tara Brown, Nick McKenzie and Amelia Adams look past the headlines because there is always a bigger picture. Sundays are for 60 Minutes Australia. #60MinutesAustralia