The World in Photos This Week

French boots hit Malian soil; smog covers Beijing; and a nonchalant horse trots through a bonfire.

JANUARY 18, 2013

In this photo, Hindu devotees bathe in the waters of the holy Ganges River to start off the Maha Kumbh Mela on Jan. 14 in Allahabad, India. The Maha Kumbh Mela, believed to be the largest religious gathering on Earth, is held every three years, but only every 12 years in Allahabad, which is considered the holiest place to celebrate. The religious festival, held over 55 days, is expected to attract over 100 million people.

Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images