India celebrates Maha Shrivrati, millions plunge into the Ganges

2021-03-11T10:13:41.631Z

Pilgrims flock to Haridwar, one of the three sacred cities (ANSA) March 11, 10:52 Primopiano India celebrates Maha Shrivrati, millions plunge into the Ganges Pilgrims flock to Haridwar, one of the three sacred cities Photo story © ANSA / EPA WATCH THE PHOTOSTORY Photo Close Maha Shivratri festival © ANSA / EPA Close Maha Shivratri festival © ANSA / EPA Close Maha Shivratri festival © ANSA / EPA Close Maha Shivratri festival © ANSA / EPA Close Maha

March 11, 10:52

Primopiano

India celebrates Maha Shrivrati, millions plunge into the Ganges

Pilgrims flock to Haridwar, one of the three sacred cities

Photo story

© ANSA / EPA

WATCH THE PHOTOSTORY Photo

Maha Shivratri festival © ANSA / EPA

Today in India is celebrated the feast of Maha Shivrati,

one of the main ones on the Indian calendar

, which celebrates the birthday of Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction.

The city of Haridwar, along the Ganges, north-east of Delhi, under the first Himalayan slopes, will see today the presence of

at least two million pilgrims, who, in spite of the pandemic, will immerse themselves in the river.

The authorities have imposed the distance between people, a limited number of accesses, and the Covid negativity test for everyone, but the security measures are obviously theoretical.

Even before dawn, picturesque groups of Naga Sadhu, the naked holy men, with their bodies covered with ash and dreadlocks, plunged into the river, followed by tens of thousands of people queuing along the path bordered by barriers.

While they wait, everyone sings hymns and throws flower petals.

Haridwar, one of three Indian cities deemed sacred, is hosting the intermediate edition of the Khumb Mela, the largest religious pilgrimage in the world.

Today's holiday coincides with one of the most coveted days for diving.

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