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,

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.

For pilgrims at the largest gathering of humanity, ritual bathing in India's holy rivers includes a key challenge -- finding your family and clothes after the chilly dip. But many said that the effort to bathe in the holy waters was worth it.