In Prayagraj, India, the Maha Kumbh festival, the world’s largest religious gathering, is underway, attracting tens of millions of Hindu devotees. A highlight of the 45-day event is the procession of the Naga Sadhus, revered naked, ash-smeared ascetic holy men. These warrior monks, carrying symbolic weapons, bathe at the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. Devotees eagerly seek their blessings, often breaching barriers to touch the water that has washed the sadhus. The festival also serves as a venue for the initiation of new Naga Sadhus, who undergo rituals to sever ties with earthly life. They live austerely in camps called akharas under the guidance of gurus. The initiation process includes tonsuring and ritual offerings, symbolizing their commitment to ascetic life. The Naga Sadhus’ presence is a rare spectacle outside this significant religious event.