Naga sadhus shout religious slogans after taking the "Shahi Snan," meaning "holy bath," in a temple. Photo by Ahmer Khan.
Up to 100 million Hindu devotees gather every third year to take the Shahi Snan, in one of four different places in India. This year they're bathing in the Godavari river in the city of Nashik in Maharashtra state. Photo by Ahmer Khan.
Sadhus often paint themselves with chalk or ash, which represents their death to the worldly life. They paint different colors on their bodies according to which god they are devoted to. Photo by Ahmer Khan.
Sadhus wear their hair in long dreadlocks, or "jata," to represent their renunciation of civilisation and in honor of the god Shiva, whose long matted hair was said to contain his power. Photo by Ahmer Khan.
A sadhu prostrates towards a temple, as Hindu devotees take his blessing. Photo by Ahmer Khan.
Naga sadhus walk down the street after taking the Shahi Snan in the town of Trimbak. Photo by Ahmer Khan.
Devotees taking a holy bath. Photo by Ahmer Khan.
A sadhu sleeps before taking the Shahi Snan. Photo by Ahmer Khan.
The ash painted on sadhus' faces represents their death to the worldly life. Photo by Ahmer Khan.
For many sadhus smoking pot is a fundamental part of their religious practice. They believe it helps them commune with the god Shiva. Photo by Ahmer Khan.
Sadhus of different sects surround one of their leaders at a holy temple during the Shahi Snan. Photo by Ahmer Khan.