Millions of Hindu worshippers headed towards the river Ganges to celebrate the religious holiday of Kumbh Mela.

Hindu mystics, known as Naga Sadhus, were among tens of thousands of Hindu pilgrims who have thronged the banks of India’s Ganges river, ignoring any coronavirus threat, for one of the nation’s most famous and colourful religious festivals.

Authorities in Haridwar expect 2.5 million people for the Maha Shivratri festival, one of the three auspicious bathing days over the next month as part of a major gathering called the Kumbh Mela (Pitcher Festival).

The highlight was set to be a jubilant procession by groups of hundreds of Naga Sadhus, their bodies smeared in ash, before their dip in the holy town in the Himalayan foothills.

This footage was filmed and produced 10-11 March.

This footage was filmed and produced 10-11 March 2021.
Naked, dreadlocked holy men, known as Naga Sadhus, were among tens of thousands of Hindu pilgrims who have thronged the banks of India’s Ganges river, ignoring any coronavirus threat, for one of the nation’s most famous and colorful religious festivals.

Authorities in Haridwar expect 2.5 million people for the Maha Shivratri festival, one of the three auspicious bathing days over the next month as part of a major gathering called the Kumbh Mela (Pitcher Festival).

Before dawn on Thursday, men, women and children jostled for space along the several kilometers of riverbank before a brief plunge in the fast-flowing water, singing hymns and showering flowers into the Ganges.

The highlight later was set to be a jubilant procession by groups of hundreds of Naga Sadhus – their bodies smeared in ash – before their dip in the holy town in the Himalayan foothills.

Because of the pandemic, the government has curtailed the Kumbh Mela, a mass event held regularly in different cities, and negative test certificates are in theory compulsory.