Indians keep faith with Ganges despite pollution

By Yasmeen Mohiuddin 
AFP

KANPUR, India – For India’s devout Hindus, the sacred River Ganges is always clean and always pure – even if its waters are a toxic stew of human sewage, discarded garbage and factory waste.

The belief that the Ganges washes away sin entices millions of Hindus into the river each year, and huge crowds of pilgrims are currently passing through the town of Haridwar for the three-month Kumbh Mela bathing festival.