India’s most sacred river, the Ganges, became a kaleidoscope of colors and chanting sounds as thousands of naked Hindu holy men, known as Naga sadhus, took a dip on Tuesday. The event marked the second day of the Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj, one of India’s biggest gatherings.
The Naga sadhus, adorned with ash and tridents, chanted religious slogans as they plunged into the icy waters. Many carried swords and staffs, while some picked up fistfuls of silver sand to rub over their bodies. The holy men’s ritual is believed to cleanse them of sins, purify their souls, and help them attain salvation.
Millions more pilgrims from across India and globally are expected to take part in the festival, with around 20 million people attending rituals on Tuesday and 400 million over 45 days. Authorities have built a sprawling tented city along the riverbank to accommodate the large number of visitors.
The Kumbh Mela is rooted in an ancient mythological story about a fight between gods and demons over a pitcher of nectar that spilled into four cities, including Prayagraj. The festival’s unique alignment of planets this year has been hailed as “extra special” by Hindu seer Mahant Ravindra Puri.
As the holy men bathe in the sacred waters, millions more ordinary pilgrims make their way to the river, seeking blessings and solace. For some, like 60-year-old Chitiya Ahirvar from Madhya Pradesh, the festival is a chance to pray for family well-being and happiness.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpwxrxgw0rwo