At all Kumbha Melas people from all ages come to be initiated as Sadhus and Sadhvis. The initiation involves a renouncement of all worldly possessions and previous ties. Women take refuge with a particular revered saint; they shave their head, give away their clothes, and receive a new name given by their leader. All other sadhvis within Meera Puri's akhara apply the sacred ash from the dhuni (sacred fireplace) to the new initiate. This is a significant gesture of welcoming and sealing the bond with the individual. Ujjain, India.
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