Dozens die in India pilgrim stampede

At least 27 pilgrims have died in a stampede on the banks of a holy river in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, local officials say.

The Hindu pilgrims had gathered to take a dip in the Godavari river at the start of the Maha Pushkaralu festival.

Nearly 24 million pilgrims are expected to take part in the 12-day festival. Pilgrims believe that taking a bath in the river will rid them of their sins.