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Security was tight for the Kumbh Mela festival in the city of Nashik in western India.

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An estimated 20,000 sadhus (Hindu holy men) took part in the climatic ritual, bathing at the spot where the River Godavari emerges after its source in the Brahmagri hills.

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So great was the crowd that many of the holy men had to wait their turn.

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Many of the holy men were naked save for ash smeared over their bodies.

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The men chanted Har Har Mahadev - "Victory to Lord Shiva" - and held holy idols aloft.

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Thousands hiked to the remote city for the festival, some with sacred cattle accompanying them.

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Some travelled to the site using rather unorthodox methods such as a car roof...

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... and this holy man chose an elephant for his travels.