Kumbh 2019: 2 crore people take holy dip in Prayagraj as world’s largest religious fest begins

Kumbh 2019: 2 crore people take holy dip in Prayagraj as world’s largest religious fest begins

Nearly 2 crore devotees leaders took a holy dip at the Sangam in Prayagraj on Makar Sankranti, which marks the beginning of the festival. Makar Sankranti is one of the sacred bathing days of the 50-day Kumbh Mela. Sadhus of 13 akharas (seven Shaiva, three Vaishnava, two Udasina, and one Sikh) who have traditionally participated in the Kumbh Mela, the largest congregation in the world, were the first to take the holy bath known as 'Shahi Snan'.

Kumbh 2019: 2 crore people take holy dip in Prayagraj as world’s largest religious fest begins

Naga Sadhus marched majestically, dancing and humming devotional songs, all the way to the confluence.

Kumbh 2019: 2 crore people take holy dip in Prayagraj as world’s largest religious fest begins

The "Shahi Snan" is considered among the most significant components of the Kumbh Mela.

Kumbh 2019: 2 crore people take holy dip in Prayagraj as world’s largest religious fest begins

Attracting eyeballs of one and all, especially the foreigners, was the march of Naga sadhus, a martial order of ascetics who move about naked with ash smeared on their whole body.

Kumbh 2019: 2 crore people take holy dip in Prayagraj as world’s largest religious fest begins

Elaborate security arrangements were in place and pontoon bridges have been constructed to lead the visitors to the 5-kilometer bathing ghat at Sangam.

Kumbh 2019: 2 crore people take holy dip in Prayagraj as world’s largest religious fest begins

Union minister Smriti Irani also took a holy dip in the river Ganges and tweeted a picture of her with the caption "Har Har Gange".