Defense Minister Rajnath Singh participated in the holy rituals at Triveni Sangam, performing Ganga Aarti alongside BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi

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 festival, which began on January 13, has seen a record number of devotees, with over 7 crore taking a dip in the Sangam. On Thursday alone, over 30 lakh devotees bathed.

The fifth day of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj witnessed an overwhelming turnout of devotees as more than 7 crore pilgrims took a holy dip at the sacred Triveni Sangam

January 29 (Mauni Amavasya - Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami - Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri)

Nearly 15 million Hindus, six times the number expected, took a dip in freezing waters seeking absolution of their sins on Monday, the first day of India's festival that could draw the world's largest single gathering of humanity.

As per official data, over 1.78 crore pilgrims and 1 crore Kalpavasis visited the Mahakumbh Mela on Friday until 4 pm. On the fifth day of the grand celebration, more than 2.78 crore people took a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam by 4 pm.

India's Mahakumbh Mela, which is the world's largest religious gathering, entered its second day. Over the next six weeks, 400 million visitors are expected to attend the festival. Thousands of religious leaders and pilgrims could be seen charging into the icy waters in a ritual they believe will cleanse them of sin and help them achieve salvation.

Scores of naked Hindu ascetics smeared in holy ash charged into the water of holy rivers in northern India on Tuesday, dreadlocks flying, during the first 'royal bath' of the Maha Kumbh Mela, or Great Pitcher Festival.