Boats ferry pilgrims to Sangam where three of India's holy river meet: the Ganges, the Yamuna and the Saraswati, According to Hindu mythology, the rivers at the Sangam turn into amrita, the nectar of immortality, during this time, offering a unique opportunity for spiritual purification. Millions of devotees, saints, and ascetics gather to bathe in the sacred waters, believing it will cleanse their sins and liberate them from the cycle of rebirth.

Boats ferry pilgrims to Sangam where three of India's holy river meet: the Ganges, the Yamuna and the Saraswati, According to Hindu mythology, the rivers at the Sangam turn into amrita, the nectar of immortality, during this time, offering a unique opportunity for spiritual purification. Millions of devotees, saints, and ascetics gather to bathe in the sacred waters, believing it will cleanse their sins and liberate them from the cycle of rebirth.

Boats ferry pilgrims to Sangam where three of India's holy river meet: the Ganges, the Yamuna and the Saraswati, According to Hindu mythology, the rivers at the Sangam turn into amrita, the nectar of immortality, during this time, offering a unique opportunity for spiritual purification. Millions of devotees, saints, and ascetics gather to bathe in the sacred waters, believing it will cleanse their sins and liberate them from the cycle of rebirth.

Allahabad, India January 2001: Pilgrims pray along the Ganges river near Sangam. Sangam where three of India's holy river meet: the Ganges, the Yamuna and the Saraswati, According to Hindu mythology, the rivers at the Sangam turn into amrita, the nectar of immortality, during this time, offering a unique opportunity for spiritual purification. Millions of devotees, saints, and ascetics gather to bathe in the sacred waters, believing it will cleanse their sins and liberate them from the cycle of rebirth.

Haridwar, India, April, 2010 : The Kumbh Mela, the months-long hindu pilgrimage takes place in Haridwar every 12 years. At this time, the waters of the Ganges river turn into a holy nectar and bathing in it brings immense religious rewards. On the first Royal Bath (Shahi Snan ), on the new moon of March, some 8 million pilgrims bathed in the river. Pilgrims come for the Holy Bath and also to be in the presence of Sadhus, the Hindu Ascetics followers of Shiva and Vishnu.

Haridwar, India, March, 2010 : Shaiva Sadhus in their camp during the Kumbh Mela, the months-long hindu pilgrimage taking place in Haridwar every 12 years. At this time, the waters of the Ganges river turn into a holy nectar and bathing in it brings immense religious rewards.

Allahabad, January 2001 : After long overnight processions, Sadhus arrive at Sangam at sunrise for the Royal Bath. They wait for the most auspicious time to bathe in the sacred waters where three of India's holy river meet: the Ganges, the Yamuna and the Saraswati, According to Hindu mythology, the rivers at the Sangam turn into amrita, the nectar of immortality, during this time, offering a unique opportunity for spiritual purification. Millions of devotees, saints, and ascetics gather to bathe in the sacred waters, believing it will cleanse their sins and liberate them from the cycle of rebirth.

Allahabad, January 2001 : After long overnight processions, Sadhus arrive at Sangam at sunrise for the Royal Bath. They wait for the most auspicious time to bathe in the sacred waters where three of India's holy river meet: the Ganges, the Yamuna and the Saraswati, According to Hindu mythology, the rivers at the Sangam turn into amrita, the nectar of immortality, during this time, offering a unique opportunity for spiritual purification. Millions of devotees, saints, and ascetics gather to bathe in the sacred waters, believing it will cleanse their sins and liberate them from the cycle of rebirth.

Allahabad, January 2001 : After long overnight processions, Sadhus arrive at Sangam at sunrise for the Royal Bath. They wait for the most auspicious time to bathe in the sacred waters where three of India's holy river meet: the Ganges, the Yamuna and the Saraswati, According to Hindu mythology, the rivers at the Sangam turn into amrita, the nectar of immortality, during this time, offering a unique opportunity for spiritual purification. Millions of devotees, saints, and ascetics gather to bathe in the sacred waters, believing it will cleanse their sins and liberate them from the cycle of rebirth.

Allahabad, January 2001 : After long overnight processions, Sadhus arrive at Sangam at sunrise for the Royal Bath. After waiting for the most auspicious time, they run in the sacred waters where three of India's holy river meet: the Ganges, the Yamuna and the Saraswati, According to Hindu mythology, the rivers at the Sangam turn into amrita, the nectar of immortality, during this time, offering a unique opportunity for spiritual purification. Millions of devotees, saints, and ascetics gather to bathe in the sacred waters, believing it will cleanse their sins and liberate them from the cycle of rebirth.

Allahabad, January 2001 : After long overnight processions, Sadhus arrive at Sangam at sunrise for the Royal Bath. After waiting for the most auspicious time, they run in the sacred waters where three of India's holy river meet: the Ganges, the Yamuna and the Saraswati, According to Hindu mythology, the rivers at the Sangam turn into amrita, the nectar of immortality, during this time, offering a unique opportunity for spiritual purification. Millions of devotees, saints, and ascetics gather to bathe in the sacred waters, believing it will cleanse their sins and liberate them from the cycle of rebirth.

Ujain, April 2004 : Initiation ceremony for Shaiva Sadhus during the Kumbh Mela in Ujain, marking their renunciation of worldly life and dedication to asceticism. The ritual bath in a sacred river, such as the Shipra in Ujjain symbolizes spiritual rebirth, cleansing them of their past life and sins, and preparing them for their new life of asceticism. Turmeric, revered for its antiseptic and protective properties, is applied to the body. This step is not only symbolic of purification but also serves as a protective layer during the spiritual transformation. The disciples are then given a loincloth representing their renunciation of material possessions and commitment to a life of simplicity and self-discipline.

Ujain, April 2004 : Initiation ceremony for Shaiva Sadhus during the Kumbh Mela in Ujain, marking their renunciation of worldly life and dedication to asceticism. The ritual bath in a sacred river, such as the Shipra in Ujjain symbolizes spiritual rebirth, cleansing them of their past life and sins, and preparing them for their new life of asceticism. Turmeric, revered for its antiseptic and protective properties, is applied to the body. This step is not only symbolic of purification but also serves as a protective layer during the spiritual transformation. The disciples are then given a loincloth representing their renunciation of material possessions and commitment to a life of simplicity and self-discipline.

Ujain, April 2004 : Initiation ceremony for Shaiva Sadhus during the Kumbh Mela in Ujain, marking their renunciation of worldly life and dedication to asceticism. The ritual bath in a sacred river, such as the Shipra in Ujjain symbolizes spiritual rebirth, cleansing them of their past life and sins, and preparing them for their new life of asceticism. Turmeric, revered for its antiseptic and protective properties, is applied to the body. This step is not only symbolic of purification but also serves as a protective layer during the spiritual transformation. The disciples are then given a loincloth representing their renunciation of material possessions and commitment to a life of simplicity and self-discipline.

Ujian, April 2004 : In a Shaiva camp, ascetics perform highly symbolic acts to demonstrate their control over the body and its desires. The practice, where an ascetic winds his penis around a sword while a companion briefly stands on it, is a form of extreme austerity aimed at showcasing control over sexual impulses. This practice is associated with certain Shaiva ascetics who believe that sexual energy, when rechanneled, can be converted into spiritual energy, leading to greater enlightenment or a higher state of consciousness.

Guru Mahant Rama Narayana Das is a Tatamberi Vaishnava sadhu, wearing sackcloth as a symbol of his renunciation of the material world and dedication to spiritual life. Sadhus, or Hindu ascetics, are spiritual seekers who have renounced worldly life to pursue enlightenment and devotion. They are broadly divided into two main groups: Shaiva Sadhus: Worshippers of Lord Shiva. Known for their focus on austerity, meditation, and the pursuit of detachment. They often wear horizontal markings (tripundra) on their foreheads, symbolizing the threefold energies of Shiva: creation, preservation, and destruction. Vaishnava Sadhus: Devotees of Lord Vishnu and his avatars, such as Rama and Krishna. Their practices emphasize devotion (bhakti), purity, and service. Vaishnavas are distinguished by their vertical markings (tilak) on their foreheads, representing Vishnu's divine presence and the path of devotion.

Haridwar, march 2010 : Shaiva sadhus often adorn themselves with garlands made from the seeds of the Rudraksha tree (Elaeocarpus ganitrus), which hold immense spiritual significance in Shaivism. The Rudraksha seeds are believed to embody the essence of Lord Shiva himself. According to legend, the seeds originated from Shiva's tears, making them sacred and powerful aids in spiritual practice. Sadhus, or Hindu ascetics, are spiritual seekers who have renounced worldly life to pursue enlightenment and devotion. They are broadly divided into two main groups:

Ramlila Theater at the Kumbh Mela, Ujain, March 2004. The play is the Ramayana, the Hindu Holy epic of the God Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman. It is a story of good against evil, as the Gods fight the demons to recover the kidnapped Sita. Guru Sringari Ladlisaran directs the play, as well as creates make-up, costumes and sets. He plays harmonium and sings as well. The actors are young nepalese brahmin boys (age 9 to 11) from Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita. They are Rahul as Rama, Rohit as Laxman, Sanjay as Sita, Vijay as Saki#1 and Suraj as Saki#2. They are performing twice a day during the months-long Kumbh Mela.

Ramlila Theater at the Kumbh Mela, Ujain, March 2004. The play is the Ramayana, the Hindu Holy epic of the God Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman. It is a story of good against evil, as the Gods fight the demons to recover the kidnapped Sita. Guru Sringari Ladlisaran directs the play, as well as creates make-up, costumes and sets. He plays harmonium and sings as well. The actors are young nepalese brahmin boys (age 9 to 11) from Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita. They are Rahul as Rama, Rohit as Laxman, Sanjay as Sita, Vijay as Saki#1 and Suraj as Saki#2. They are performing twice a day during the months-long Kumbh Mela.

Ramlila Theater at the Kumbh Mela, Ujain, March 2004. The play is the Ramayana, the Hindu Holy epic of the God Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman. It is a story of good against evil, as the Gods fight the demons to recover the kidnapped Sita. Guru Sringari Ladlisaran directs the play, as well as creates make-up, costumes and sets. He plays harmonium and sings as well. The actors are young nepalese brahmin boys (age 9 to 11) from Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita. They are Rahul as Rama, Rohit as Laxman, Sanjay as Sita, Vijay as Saki#1 and Suraj as Saki#2. They are performing twice a day during the months-long Kumbh Mela.

Ramlila Theater at the Kumbh Mela, Ujain, March 2004. The play is the Ramayana, the Hindu Holy epic of the God Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman. It is a story of good against evil, as the Gods fight the demons to recover the kidnapped Sita. Guru Sringari Ladlisaran directs the play, as well as creates make-up, costumes and sets. He plays harmonium and sings as well. The actors are young nepalese brahmin boys (age 9 to 11) from Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita. They are Rahul as Rama, Rohit as Laxman, Sanjay as Sita, Vijay as Saki#1 and Suraj as Saki#2. They are performing twice a day during the months-long Kumbh Mela.

Haridwar, India, March, 2010 : Ramlila Theater at the Kumbh Mela, Haridwar, March 2010. The play is the Ramayana, the Hindu Holy epic of the God Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman. It is a story of good against evil, as the Gods fights the demons to recover the kidnapped Sita. Guru Sringari Ladlisaran direct the play, as well as create make-up, costumes and sets. He plays harmonium and sings as well. The actors are young nepalese brahmin boys (age 9 to 11) from Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita. They are : Rahul as Rama, Rohit as Laxman, Sanjay as Sita, Vijay as Saki#1 and Suraj as Saki#2 . They are performing twice a day during the months long Kumbh Mela.

Haridwar, India, March, 2010 : Ramlila Theater at the Kumbh Mela, Haridwar, March 2010. The play is the Ramayana, the Hindu Holy epic of the God Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman. It is a story of good against evil, as the Gods fights the demons to recover the kidnapped Sita. Guru Sringari Ladlisaran direct the play, as well as create make-up, costumes and sets. He plays harmonium and sings as well. The actors are young nepalese brahmin boys (age 9 to 11) from Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita. They are : Rahul as Rama, Rohit as Laxman, Sanjay as Sita, Vijay as Saki#1 and Suraj as Saki#2 . They are performing twice a day during the months long Kumbh Mela.

ALLAHABAD, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA, 1/23/2007 : Pilgrims and processions of Sadhus animate the Ardh Kumbh Mela in Allahabad during Basant Panchami, the 3rd Royal Bath of the Ardh Kumbh that comes every 6 years according to a planetary calendar. Pilgrims shower a Shiva impersonator with money during the procession.

Ujain, April 2004 : Rabari Pilgrims from Rajasthan make their way through the street of Ujain to reach the river during the Kumbh Mela. Rabaris are nomadic shepherd living in the vast desert expanses of western India. The Kumbh Mela is the largest human gathering on earth, bringing millions of worshippers to bathe in the sacred waters of the holy rivers.

PILGRIMS BATHE AT SANGAM DURING THE KUMBH MELA PILGRIMAGE IN ALLAHABAD, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA. SANGAM IS THE MYSTICAL INTERSECTION OF 3 OF INDIA'S HOLIEST RIVERS, THE GANGES, THE YAMUNA AND THE SARASWATI. DURING THE KUMBH MELA PILGRIMAGE, THE RIVER'S WATERS TURN INTO THE NECTAR OF IMMORTALITY, AND MILLIONS OF PILGRIMS COME TO TAKE A HOLY BATH

Allahabad, January 2001 : During the Kumbh Mela pilgrimage in Allahabad (Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh, millions of pilgrims gather at the Sangam, the mystical confluence of three of India’s holiest rivers: the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the Saraswati. This sacred meeting point is believed to be the most powerful location for spiritual purification. Pilgrims believe that by bathing in the waters of the Sangam, they cleanse themselves of their sins and attain spiritual renewal. The waters are seen as nectar of immortality, capable of purifying the soul and ensuring salvation.

Haridwar, March 1998 : During the 1998 Kumbh Mela in Haridwar, millions of pilgrims flocked to the ghats along the Ganges River, seeking spiritual purification by bathing in its sacred waters. This event, part of the larger Kumbh Mela cycle, is one of the most significant religious gatherings in India.

Allahabad, January 2001 : During the 6-week Kumbh Mela pilgrimage, a massive tent city is set up on the riverbanks. This temporary city is a testament to the scale and significance of the event, accommodating millions of pilgrims, sadhus, and devotees from all over India and beyond.

Allahabad, January 2007 : Pilgrims Smoking Hash in a Chillum around a campfire during the cold nights of the Kumbh Mela. It is common for certain groups of sadhus, particularly those from the Shaiva or Naga sects, to smoke hash or charas (cannabis) in a chillum (a traditional clay pipe). This practice is often part of their meditation and spiritual discipline, symbolizing a deeper connection with the divine. For these ascetics, smoking hash is sometimes seen as a means of transcending earthly attachments, entering higher states of consciousness, or connecting with Lord Shiva, who is associated with the consumption of bhang (a cannabis-infused drink).