Naga Sadhus or Hindu holy men take a holy dip during the "Maha Kumbh Mela", or the Great Pitcher Festival, in Prayagraj, India, Jan 14, 2025. REUTERS/Adnan AbidiNaga Sadhus or Hindu holy men take a holy dip during the "Maha Kumbh Mela", or the Great Pitcher Festival, in Prayagraj, India, Jan 14, 2025. REUTERS/Adnan AbidiNaked Hindu ascetics smeared in holy ash charged into the waters of sacred rivers in India on Tuesday, part of a large crowd of 35 million devotees who took the holy dip on the second day of the Maha Kumbh Mela, or Great Pitcher Festival, seeking absolution from their sins. "The crowd today was fantastic," said ascetic Rakesh Kumar after his holy dip at the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. Every 12 years, the festival is described as "maha" or great, as the timing is considered to render it more auspicious, drawing bigger crowds.

Source: bd News24 January 14, 2025 15:08 UTC