Millions take the plunge at India’s religious mega festival

Millions of Hindu pilgrims took the plunge into sacred rivers at the world’s largest religious gathering Monday, led by ash-smeared holy men and accompanied by religious chanting. On the most auspicious day of the months-long Kumbh Mela festival, devotees rose at dawn in the northern city of Allahabad to immerse themselves at the confluence of three rivers -- the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati.

Thousands of Naga Sadhus, a devout, fierce and famously nude sect of followers of the Hindu god Shiv, and other holy men clad in saffron robes, led the mass bathing in the chilly waters, some brandishing swords and tridents. Hindus believe that bathing in the sacred rivers cleanses them of sin and Monday’s Mauni Amavasya Snan -- the “no moon day” -- is considered the holiest of the gigantic 48-day festival that runs until March 4.

The confluence of the three rivers is considered especially holy and Hindus believe bathing there during the Kumbh helps cleanse sins and bring salvation. Nearly 12 million people attended the inaugural bathing ritual on January 15 and about 120 million are expected during the whole festival. Devotees meditate on the banks of the rivers after the dip and collect Ganges water in cans to take home.