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Photography banned at Kumbh bathing areas

Organisers of the Maha Kumbh Mela banned photographs of bathing areas near the Ganges and Yamuna rivers after pilgrims complained of being snapped in the nude.

Mela Commissioner Sadhakant said on Tuesday journalists who violated the rule could lose their press passes.

Sadhakant banned photography within 500 metres of the bathing areas.

"We will physically stop them... They were taking photos of people while they were bathing, especially ladies," he said.

Journalists and amateur photographers rushed in when a horde of naked, ash-smeared holy men charged into the Ganges on Sunday, the second of six astrologically auspicious bathing days during the festival.

Several women and dreadlocked Naga Babas complained after they were photographed bathing on Sunday, Sadhakant said.

Some Naga Babas expressed annoyance by splashing water at the photographers but others seemed to enjoy the attention, posing for pictures and asking for copies.

"These are very simple people, they are saints. They do not understand the complexity and extent of journalists' work," Sadhakant said.

"Religion is a very sensitive area. Photographers should not intrude into the personal aspects of anyone's life," he added.

The Kumbh Mela: Complete coverage

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