REUTERSSadhus or Hindu holy men from Panchayati Bada Udasin Akhara take part in a religious procession during "Peshwai" or the arrival of the members of an akhara or sect of sadhus ahead of the "Maha Kumbh Mela", or the Pitcher Festival, in Prayagraj, India, January 12, 2025. REUTERSScores of naked Hindu ascetics smeared in holy ash charged into the water of holy rivers in northern India on Tuesday, dreadlocks flying, during the first 'royal bath' of the Maha Kumbh Mela, or Great Pitcher Festival. The dip by the ascetics, who wore only holy beads, though some wielded tridents, spears, or maces, signals the start of the ritual, watched by thousands of devotees. Earlier, to chants and the beat of drums, the ascetics had moved in procession towards the water, standing atop decorated trucks, riding horses, or walking. 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 05:02 UTC