By Saurabh Sharma PRAYAGRAJ, India (Reuters) -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,

A 21-member team from 10 countries will take the holy dip, symbolizing unity and devotion. Get the latest updates on this historic event.

This is what we call love right 🥺♾️ ❤️ pic.twitter.com/JHVpGSkwtg The post uploaded by Mishra and showing her father soaking himself in the Maha Kumbh Mela celebrations along with his mother's picture has gone viral on social media and left netizens in tears.

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.

Taking sacred baths at Maha Kumbh Mela is believed to purify the soul and wash away sins. Let’s look at the dates of all the shahi snan, history, and significance of the holy mela.

Thousands participate in Maha Kumbh at Triveni Sangam; global delegation visits, showcasing India's rich cultural heritage.

The 'royal bath' is a key part of the event, held every 12 years in the city of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, significant because Hindus believe it confers salvation from the cycle of birth and death, in addition to absolution of sins.

Prayagraj is witnessing an influx of devotees from around the world on the second day of the Maha Kumbh Mela. According to the UP DGP, over 10 million devotees have already taken the holy dip. The number of pilgrims from India and abroad continues to grow as more arrive at Triveni Sangam on the third day of this 45-day festival,

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,

Hindu devotees from across India flocked to the northern city of Prayagraj yesterday as the world's largest religious festival began. Over the coming 45 days, an estimated 400 million Hindus are expected to come together for Maha Kumbh Mela.