Republished from the Kumbha Mela Times

Saints, sages, and sadhus belonging to akhadas, organizations of swamis, formally enter the Kumbha Mela grounds in a grand procession called a juloos. The Udasina Akhada juloos began at the Hanuman temple and wound slowly through the streets of Allahabad accompanied by the beating of drums, dancing, chanting, and merry-making. The streets were packed with those seeking darshan (sight) and blessings from the holy ones. They greeted the swamis on their chariots with sweets, garlands of roses and marigolds, folded hands and bowed heads.