More than 50 million pilgrims took holy dip in river Ganges & returned home safely.

On the following day, pilgrims take a holy dip (naun) in the lake.

People take a holy dip in the water of the lake on festive occasions.

Also devotees take holy dip in the river to perform rites.

Every day about 60,000 people go down to the Varanasi ghats to take a holy dip along a 7km stretch of the river.

Feb. 7 was described as the most auspicious day for "a holy dip" during the festival, which began in January.

Garuda took a holy dip in the spring and won the battle.

The water from the tank is thus treated sacred and pilgrims take a holy dip during festive occasions.

"So," he asked as I shook myself out, "how was your holy dip?"

There is a pond in the temple where the devotees take a holy dip.