In photos: Hindus celebrate Kumbh Mela, or Pitcher Festival
Hindus believe taking a dip in the waters of a holy river during the festival, will cleanse them of their sins. According to Hindu mythology, the Kumbh Mela celebrates the victory of gods over demons in a furious battle over a nectar that would give them immortality.
A Hindu devotee takes a dip in the waters of the Godavari river in Nashik, India.Adnan Abidi/Reuters
Hindu devotees give a holy dip to their Guru in the river Godavari during the Kumbh Mela, or Pitcher Festival, in Nasik, India.Manish Swarup/The Associated Press
Sadhus or Hindu holy men hold swords as they run towards the banks of Godavari river to take a dip in Nashik, India.Adnan Abidi/Reuters
Hundreds of thousands of Hindu devotees gather to take holy dip in the river Godavari on the second royal bathing date of the ongoing Kumbh Mela, or Pitcher Festival, in Nasik, India.Manish Swarup/The Associated Press
A Naga sadhu, or naked Hindu holy man, jumps in the Godavari River in Nasik, India.Rafiq Maqbool/The Associated Press
Hindu devotees take a holy dip in the river Godavari in Nasik, India.Manish Swarup/The Associated Press
A sadhu or a Hindu holy man leaves after taking a dip in the waters of the Godavari river in Nashik, India.Adnan Abidi/Reuters
A cyclist rides past rows of idols of elephant headed Hindu god Ganesh displayed for sale in Bangalore, India.Aijaz Rahi/The Associated Press
Devotees transport an idol of Hindu elephant god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to a place of worship in Ahmedabad, India.Amit Dave/Reuters