PRAYAGRAJ, India — A figure breaks the surface of the river, his hair streaming back in water as he rises. Surrounded by others who wave saffron flags, they engage in a time-honored ritual believed to cleanse the soul and free individuals from the cycle of rebirth.
This striking image captures a Naga Sadhu, a Hindu ascetic, at the sacred meeting point of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the legendary Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj. This scene symbolizes the ongoing Maha Kumbh festival, regarded as the largest gathering of religious participants globally. Millions of Hindus are entering the chilly waters at this river confluence, seeking salvation and spiritual renewal.
The festival commenced on January 13 and is scheduled to conclude on February 26. Daily bathing rituals take place, but during the most significant days, Hindu ascetics hastily make their way to the holy rivers at dawn. These ascetics belong to ancient religious groups that were initially established as mercenary forces and share a deep reverence for Lord Shiva, a principal deity in Hinduism.
The origins of the Maha Kumbh can be traced back to a sacred Hindu narrative where the god Vishnu obtained a golden pitcher filled with the nectar of immortality from demons. It is said that some drops of this nectar fell at four key cities: Prayagraj, Nasik, Ujjain, and Haridwar, which have hosted the Kumbh festival annually for centuries.
An anticipated 400 million participants are expected to take part in this year’s significant event.
