PHOTOS | SADHUS IN MAHAKUMBH

A Sadhu smokes a 'chillum', a traditional clay pipe, at a camp in Prayagraj ahead of the mahakumbh mela | AFP

Indian Naga Sadhus of Panchayati Mahanirvani Akhara sit on an elephant and camels while participating in a procession towards the Sangam, the confluence of rivers Ganges and Yamuna, during the first Peshwai for the mahakumbh | AP

Artists perform during the 'Chavni Pravesh' of 'Shri Panchayati Akhada Mahanirvani', the royal entry procession for Mahakumbh | PTI

Naga sadhus of Sri Panchayati Atal Akhada take part in the 'Chavni Pravesh', or royal entry procession, ahead of mahakumbh | PTI

A Panchayati Mahanirvani Akhara devotee performs fire breathing stunts in a procession towards the Sangam, the confluence of rivers Ganges and Yamuna, during the first 'royal entry' for the mahakumbh | AP

Sadhus of the Shree Mahanirvani Akhada take part in the 'Chavni Pravesh' ahead of the mahakumbh | PTI

Sadhus of the Shree Mahanirvani Akhada take part in the 'Chavni Pravesh’ ahead of mahakumbh | PTI