Ardh Kumbh Mela 2016: In Pics

A Hindu holy man takes a dip in the River Ganges on the first auspicious bathing day of the Ardh Kumbh festival at Haridwar

Haridwar: The Ardh Kumbh Mela began at Har ki Pauri ghat in Haridwar on Tuesday. At least 1 million devotees are expected to take bath in the holy river this year.

The Ardh Kumbh Mela was inaugurated by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat, who also offered prayer at the ghat. The observance of Maha Kumbh Mela has achieved international popularity as 'The biggest act of faith'.

This year, the Ardh Kumbh Mela will take place in the holy city of Haridwar from January 12 till April 22, when the last festive bath of Chaitra Shukla Purnima takes place. The entire Har-ki-Pauri ghat has been decorated with flowers and illuminated with colorful lights, giving the sanctum sanctorum (Holi of Holies) an altogether different look.

Every year millions of pilgrims come to participate in the holy event of Maha Kumbh with tremendous faith. Thousands of devotees take bath in the holy Indian river to absolve themselves of their sins and seek salvation for the souls of their ancestors. 

Sadhu with over 9 ft long hair seen at Ardh Kumbh Mela in Haridwar pic.twitter.com/avmwXRGp2f

— ANI (@ANI_news) January 14, 2016

Ardh Kumbh Mela 2016:Devotees take first holy dip at 'Har ki Pauri (Haridwar) #MakarSankranti(Early morning visuals) pic.twitter.com/Bcp1B0Wc4E

— ANI (@ANI_news) January 14, 2016

#ArdhKumbh begins in #Haridwar Uttarakhand with first 'snan' (holy bath). pic.twitter.com/ONtEKtZZGU

— Lucky Tiwari (@LuckyTiwarii) January 14, 2016

(Pic Courtesy: ANI, Lucky Tiwari)