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,

This is what we call love right 🥺♾️ ❤️ pic.twitter.com/JHVpGSkwtg The post uploaded by Mishra and showing her father soaking himself in the Maha Kumbh Mela celebrations along with his mother's picture has gone viral on social media and left netizens in tears.

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.

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

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is in full swing, and one of its most fascinating aspects is the presence of the Naga Sadhus. Known for their mysterious lives and spiritual strength, these ascetics are an integral part of India’s grandest religious gathering.

Nearly 15 million Hindus, six times the number expected, took a dip in freezing waters seeking absolution of their sins on Monday, the first day of India's festival that could draw the world's largest single gathering of humanity.

Over 10,000 security personnel, including local police and paramilitary forces have been deployed at the Sangam Ghat for surveillance. Additionally, underwater drones, 2,700 AI-enabled cameras have been installed in and around Mela Ground to ensure security of the millions of attendees.

Thousands participate in Maha Kumbh at Triveni Sangam; global delegation visits, showcasing India's rich cultural heritage.

The 'royal bath' is a key part of the event, held every 12 years in the city of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, significant because Hindus believe it confers salvation from the cycle of birth and death, in addition to absolution of sins.

India's Mahakumbh Mela, which is the world's largest religious gathering, entered its second day. Over the next six weeks, 400 million visitors are expected to attend the festival. Thousands of religious leaders and pilgrims could be seen charging into the icy waters in a ritual they believe will cleanse them of sin and help them achieve salvation.