Naked Hindu ascetics and pilgrims are taking holy dips in sacred rivers in the first major bathing day of the Maha Kumbh festival, which is the largest religious congregation on Earth.

The festival that attracts over 400 million people takes place where Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers meet.

Ash-smeared naked Hindu holy men charged into India's most sacred river Ganges at dawn on the first most significant bathing day of the Kumbh Mela festival (also known as Mahakumbh) in the northern city of Prayagraj. The ascetics chanted religious slogans, invoking Hindu gods and goddesses as they plunged into the icy waters.

Swami Bhupender Giri, centre, Naga Sadhu of Niranjani Akhara, arrives for ritualistic dip at Sangam, the confluence of the Rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati on one of the most auspicious day Makar Sankranti,