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,

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.

Devotees from various States and around the world have been immersing themselves in the spiritual atmosphere of the holy confluence

According to the statistics by the Uttar Pradesh Government, over seven crore devotees have taken holy dip in Sangam at the Maha Kumbh. Adityanath has instructed top officials to oversee the administration of key pilgrimage routes such as Dharmapath, Rampath and Bhaktipath, ensuring that people in need are provided shelter and support.

A 21-member team from 10 countries will take the holy dip, symbolizing unity and devotion. Get the latest updates on this historic event.

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,

Over 70 million devotees have participated in the world's biggest religious congregation; over 35 million on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on January 14.

Over 20 million people performed the holy dip ritual at the Maha Kumbh Mela festival in India's northern city of Prayagraj, a local official said on Tuesday (January 14).

Worshippers bathed in water at the Maha Kumbh festival in India. Footage shows thousands of devotees performing a 'holy dip' at Triveni Sangam in Uttar Pradesh on3. At least 450 million devotees, many of whom have travelled from across the country and various parts of the world,