Hindu devotees pray as they attend the first "Shahi Snan" (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 14, 2013. Upwards of a million elated Hindu holy men and pilgrims took a bracing plunge in India's sacred Ganges river to wash away lifetimes of sins on Monday, in a raucous start to an ever-growing religious gathering that is already the world's largest. REUTERS

Hindu devotees get dressed after taking dip during the first "Shahi Snan" (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 14, 2013.

A Sadhu, or a Hindu holy man, performs morning prayers on the banks of the river Ganges ahead of the "Kumbh Mela" (Pitcher Festival) in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 13, 2013.

Hindu devotees gather to attend the first 'Shahi Snan' (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 14, 2013.

Hindu devotees take dip during the first "Shahi Snan" (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 14, 2013.

Hindu devotees take a holy dip during the first "Shahi Snan" (grand bath) at the ongoing "Kumbh Mela", or Pitcher Festival, in the northern Indian city of Allahabad January 14, 2013.

Millions of devout Hindus led by naked ascetics with ash smeared on their bodies plunged into the frigid waters of India's holy Ganges River on Jan. 14 in a ritual they believe can wash away their sins.

During the festival, Hindus take part in a religious gathering on the banks of the river Ganges. "Kumbh Mela" will return to Allahabad in 12 years.