By Saurabh Sharma PRAYAGRAJ, India (Reuters) -Naked 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,

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is in full swing, and one of its most fascinating aspects is the presence of the Naga Sadhus. Known for their mysterious lives and spiritual strength, these ascetics are an integral part of India’s grandest religious gathering.

Taking sacred baths at Maha Kumbh Mela is believed to purify the soul and wash away sins. Let’s look at the dates of all the shahi snan, history, and significance of the holy mela.

Nearly 15 million Hindus, six times the number expected, took a dip in freezing waters seeking absolution of their sins on Monday, the first day of India's festival that could draw the world's largest single gathering of humanity.

By evening, 3.5 crore people, according to the government, had taken dip at the Sangam. During the Amrit Snan, the akhadas hold the privilege of taking the first holy dip, and their bathing sequence is determined by the Akhada Parishad, which allocates time slots based on each one’s hierarchy.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday confirmed that more than 35 million devotees have taken a holy dip at Sangam in Prayagraj on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.

Over 10,000 security personnel, including local police and paramilitary forces have been deployed at the Sangam Ghat for surveillance. Additionally, underwater drones, 2,700 AI-enabled cameras have been installed in and around Mela Ground to ensure security of the millions of attendees.

The Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj is being celebrated after 12 years, and over 45 crore devotees are expected for the event.

Naked 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,

The Maha Kumbh festival — held every 12 years — started Monday, with more than 15 million pilgrims bathing in the holy rivers, according to officials.

Naked Hindu ascetics and pilgrims are taking holy dips in sacred rivers in the first major bathing day of the Maha Kumbh festival, which is the largest religious congregation on Earth