They sat in queues at the river bank with their shaved heads and wearing only a loincloth around their waist to begin a spiritual way of life. The process, known as 'Diksha', has several stages before becoming a 'Naga Sadhu'. It involves putting a sacred white thread around their shoulder, taking 108 holy dips into the Ganges and performing 'Pind Daan' for the salvation of seven generations of ancestors from both mother's and father's side.
The next stage involves bringing purity in thoughts and action, practising celibacy and renunciation of all personal possessions and duties including family ties. After completing all these stages, they are allowed to become Naga Sadhu. According to authorities, the rituals were organised by the Juna Akhara. Naga Sadhus are the main attraction of the Kumbh Mela, where they arrived with pomp and show and participate in 'Shahi Snan'. (AFP)
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