The initiation ceremony for 8,000 sages into the esteemed order of Naga Sadhus commenced Saturday at Triveni Ghat in Prayagraj, the site of the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela. As part of this sacred ritual, the sages will take a holy dip at midnight, followed by the partial shaving of their braids. This act symbolises their renunciation of worldly life and marks the beginning of their ascetic journey.