Security was stepped up in Haridwar with snipers, police in riot gear and plain clothes keeping a close watch to help prevent potential militant attacks, stampedes and petty crime.
Officials said by noon, about 250,000 people had taken a holy dip at Har-ki-Pauri, the main bathing area which has stepped banks on either side of the Ganges River.
Hindus believe that bathing in the sacred river washes away their sins, speeding the way to the attainment of nirvana or the afterlife.
The Kumbh Mela, or "pitcher festival", one of the world's largest religious celebrations, is held in rotation at one of four Indian cities every three years.
NOTE: Natural sound only - no reporter narration
