Nashik: Braving sporadic heavy rain, lakhs of pilgrims took a holy dip during the second 'shahi snan' (royal bath) at the ongoing Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Nashik-Trimbakeshwar here since Sunday morning, officials said.

The 'shahi snan', which began at 4 a.m. on Sunday at Ram Kund, saw the presence of pilgrims in large numbers from Gujarat, northern state and other parts of the country who gathered at the Ram Kund, Ram Ghats and other bathing venues.

The event kicked off with colourful 'royal processions' by thousands of holy men and religious leaders assembled here, to the Ram Kund at Nashik and in Trimbakeshwar, and then a holy dip, early on Sunday.

The police made elaborate security arrangements, but partially relaxed the barricading arrangements that kept away the crowds, both locals and tourist, during the first 'shahi snan' on August 29 and attracted widespread criticism.

With the ease in restrictions, huge crowds of tourists and pilgrims descended on the city from surrounding districts as well as other parts of India and abroad.

The third and final 'shahi snan' is scheduled at Nashik on September 18 and at Trimbakeshwar on September 25 before the current Simhastha Kumbh Mela begins winding up.

(IANS)