Sadhus take out procession ahead of holy dip in Haridwar

Haridwar, jan 31 (ANI): Thousands of sadhus on Saturday took part in a procession ahead of the Shahi Snan (holy dip) in River Ganges, on the occasion of 'Magh Purnima' during the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar.

Blowing conch shells and waving saffron flags, sadhus in dreadlocks and wearing flowing robes took out a procession to mark the auspicious day.

Pilot Baba, a saffron clad Hindu monk with thousands of followers said Kumbh showcased the best of Indian spiritualism.

"Today Juna Akhada will take the lead as today is the holy day of 'Magha Mela'. Today we (holy men) are declaring the Kumbh Mela (pitcher festival) open but it was declared open from the government's side long back," said Pilot Baba.

On 'Magh Purnima', several festivals of religious significance take place along the banks of holy rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna and several others across the country.

Hindus believe that bathing in the Ganges River during the Kumbh Mela and especially on the full moon day, cleanses them of their sins, speeding the process of attaining nirvana. (ANI)