HARIDWAR, 11 March, 2021, (TON): Naked, dreadlocked holy men, known as Naga Sadhus, were among a huge number of Hindu pioneers who have crowded the banks of India's Ganges River, for one of the country's generally acclaimed and beautiful strict celebrations.

Authorities in Haridwar expect 2.5 million people for the Maha Shivratri festival, one of the three auspicious bathing days over the next month as part of a major gathering called the Kumbh Mela.

Before dawn on Thursday, men, women, and children jostled for space along the several km of riverbank before a brief plunge in the fast flowing water, singing hymns and showering flowers into the Ganges.

On Thursday, the country recorded nearly 23,000 infections, down sharply from a peak of almost 100,000 in September but more than double the rates seen in January.

Cases are rising again in several regions, especially in the western state of Maharashtra and its capital Mumbai, where authorities have re-imposed restrictions.

Hindus believe bathing in the Ganges will cleanse their sins and bring salvation.