Allahabad, India - More than 18 million Hindus, from naked holy men waving swords to the poor and frail pilgrims, jumped into the waters of India's sacred Ganges river on Friday in the holiest and biggest day of an ancient festival.
As dawn broke, multitudes of people who spent the winter night on the river bank in northern Allahabad city took the cold plunge to the shrieks of prayers and chants to Hindu Gods.
Friday's bathing is the most important day of the six-week Ardh Kumbh Mela, or Half-Pitcher festival, which kicked off on January 3 and is the world's largest religious gathering.
Millions of Hindus believe a dip in the river during the festival and particularly on this day, when planetary alignments are said to be most favourable, would wash away their sins and rid them the earthy cycle of life and death..
Legend has it that thousands of years ago, divine nectar fell from the heaven on this day at Sangam -- the point where the Ganges, Yamuna and a mythical third river, the Saraswati, merge.
"This is the greatest of all days which comes once in many years," said Mithilesh Saran Mittal, a school principal, after taking the dip. "The blessings you get today are unparalleled."
Naked holy men, known as Naga Sadhus, stormed the river, splashing around in the water and dancing in a frenzy.
The sect of Hindu holy men symbolise an ancient army of Hindu gods who battled the devils for their share of the nectar.
"Since the flow of mammoth crowds is on, I am sure not less than 20 million people will bathe by the end of the day." said P.R. Misra, head of the festival administration, told Reuters.
Security at the festival ground has been tight to prevent any attacks from militant organisations such as ones fighting Indian rule in the northern Kashmir region.
But pilgrims appeared little worried about any threats.
"This is god's land and today when the heavens are showering divine nectar at Sangam, how can any harm befall on the devotees?" said Vidyanand Giri, clad in a saffron robe.
The Ganges is one of India's most polluted rivers but this was not a concern for many pilgrims.
"Yes, the water may look polluted and cold but once you are in it, you feel purified and the chill vanishes," said Jasraj Puri, a 35-year-old Australian, who left his home in Sydney a decade ago and began life as a Hindu ascetic with a new name.