In Pics | First Shahi Snan of Kumbh Mela, thousands of devotees take dip in Holy Ganga

Shahi Snan or a Royal bath was observed to mark the Maha Shivratri festival during Kumbh Mela, in Haridwar in Uttarakhund on March 11, 2021. (Photo: AP)

A Naga Sadhu takes dip in the holy Ganga. An estimate suggests that there are nearly four to five million Naga ascetics in India. As per the belief, the holy men adopt an austere manner of living to burn their karma as well as the karma of the community at large. (Photo: Reuters)

The devotees annually take a dip in the Holy Ganges, also referred to as Ganga, during the Kumbh Mela (Photo: Reuters)

A COVID-19 test report was mandatory for the incoming pilgrims at the Mahakumbh. The visuals suggested that laxity was adopted in adherence to the safety norms (Photo: Reuters)

A woman dressed as Hindu deity Kali seeks for alms on a street in Haridwar during the first Shahi Snan at Kumbh Mela. (Photo: REUTERS/Anushree Fadnavis)

A Naga Sadhu waves the Indian flag as he takes a dip in the Ganges river during the Shahi Snan (Photo: Reuters)

According to reports, nearly 3 million devotees took dip in the Holy Ganga during the first Shahi Snan of Mahakumbh (Photo: Reuters)

A Sadhu or holy man smokes outside his tent ahead of the the Shahi Snan (Photo: Reuters)

Devotees gather on the banks of the Ganges river to pray on the occasion of Mahashivratri festival and the first Shahi Snan at Kumbh Mela, or the Pitcher Festival, in Haridwar. (Photo: Reuters)