Millions Take the Sacred Dip at India's Maha Kumbh Mela

The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India, witnessed millions of Hindu devotees, including ascetics, performing the holy dip to seek salvation and absolution of sins. This sacred gathering, held every 12 years, is renowned for its massive participant turnout, impacting the regional economy significantly.

Naked Hindu ascetics adorned in holy ash plunged into the sacred rivers of India, marking the second day of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. This divine dip is seen by devotees as a path to salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and death.

Amid the rhythmic chants and drumbeats, thousands observed the ascetics' ritual dip. Ascetic Rakesh Kumar, praising the crowd, emphasized the importance of participation in such spiritual festivals. In total, 35 million attendees joined in the holy bath by the festival's day two.

With a staggering $800 million budget, the event is emphasized as a monumental contributor to economic growth, potentially generating $30 billion to $35 billion of activity. Enhanced security measures ensure safety for the world's largest human congregation.

(With inputs from agencies.)