NEW DELHI, INDIA, August 13, 2003: Thanks to the local administration, all but three of the 3,000 people who got lost in the huge crowd were reunited with their families by the end of the day. This year attendance at the Kumbh is estimated to be 3.5 million pilgrims and sadhus. When 85-year old Bhushan Mali completed his ritual bath, he got separated from his son and family. Mali says, “I had gone for my bath, but when I came back, no one was there.” The police booth where lost people congregate for assistance is very busy. It is no easy task reuniting families in the huge crowd and the language barrier sometimes presents a problem. Despite these obstacles, the administration still tries to unite all people with their families before the day is over.
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