Kumbh Mela 2013: Over 30 million pilgrims take a holy dip on 'Mauni Amavasya' (Photos)

More than three crore (30 million) people reportedly took a holy dip in the Sangam on 'Mauni Amavasya', which is said to be most auspicious day of bathing during the 12-yearly Kumbh Mela.

The Kumbh Mela is a mass pilgrimage where Hindus gather along the holy rivers Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical river Saraswati.

Kumbh Mela officer Mani Prasad Mishra told PTI, "As per our estimates, three crore people have taken a holy dip till 3:00 p.m.

"The influx of visitors has slowed down a bit since then but the turn-out has already exceeded our expectations," "No untoward incident has been reported from any part of the Kumbh area so far," he added.

The NDTV reported, "A sea of devotees kept surging towards the confluence of the holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati throughout the day, while the 13 'akharas' took out their processions for the second 'Shahi Snan' during the Maha Kumbh.

"Amid chants of 'Har Har Gange', devotees including a fair sprinkling of foreigners, watched awestruck as 'naga sadhus' with their matted hair, ash-smeared naked bodies adorned with garlands of marigold and 'rudraksh' moved in processions with their 'Shri Mahants' and 'Mahamandaleshwars' perched atop decorated chariots, horses and elephants."

Around 15,000 central paramilitary forces security personnel were deployed for the security arrangements.

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