Millions take the holy dip at Maha Kumbh Mela

Millions of elated Hindu holy men and pilgrims took a bracing plunge in the sacred Ganges river to wash away lifetimes of sins, in a raucous start to an ever-growing religious gathering that is already the world's largest. Once every 12 years, tens of millions of pilgrims stream to Allahabad from across India for the Maha Kumbh Mela at the point where the Ganges and Yamuna rivers meet with a third, mythical river. That the ancient festival grows in size each time it is held partly reflects India's expanding population, but is also seen as evidence that spiritual life is thriving alongside the new-found affluence of a growing middle class. The ritual "Royal Bath" was timed to match an auspicious planetary alignment, when believers say spiritual energy flows to earth.

Naga sadhus, or Hindu holymen, arrive to attend the first 'Shahi Snan' (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad.

Naga sadhus, or Hindu holymen, arrive to attend the first 'Shahi Snan' at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad.

Naga sadhus, or Hindu holymen, arrive to attend the first 'Shahi Snan' at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in Allahabad.

A Sadhu, or a Hindu holy man, smokes marijuana on a chillum on the banks of river Ganges ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival) in the northern Indian city of Allahabad.

Hindu devotees pray as they attend the first "Shahi Snan" (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January.

Hindu devotees pray as they attend the first 'Shahi Snan' (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad.

Naga sadhus, or Hindu holymen, attend the first 'Shahi Snan' (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad.

Hindu devotees get dressed after taking dip during the first "Shahi Snan" (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad.

Naga sadhus, or Hindu holymen, attend the first 'Shahi Snan' (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in Allahabad.

A Sadhu or a Hindu holy man prays as he takes a dip during the first "Shahi Snan" (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad.

A Sadhu, or a Hindu holy man, performs morning prayers on the banks of the river Ganges ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival) in the northern Indian city of Allahabad.

Hindu devotees take a holy dip in the waters of river Ganges amid fog ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival) in the northern Indian city of Allahabad.

A Sadhu or a Hindu holy brandishes a sword as he attends the first "Shahi Snan" (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad.

Naga sadhus, or Hindu holymen, run to attend the first 'Shahi Snan' (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad.

A Hindu priest holds an oil lamp as he performs evening prayers near the banks of river Ganges ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival) in the northern Indian city of Allahabad.

Sadhus or Hindu holymen attend the first 'Shahi Snan' (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in Allahabad.

Artists dressed as Hindu deities take part in a religious procession near the banks of river Ganges ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival) in the northern Indian city of Allahabad.