More than 500 million people have taken a "holy dip" in sacred river waters in north India over the last four weeks as part of the Hindu Maha Kumbh festival, authorities said on Friday, greater than the population of most countries.

A viral video shows a man taking his dog, Zorawar, for the holy dip at Triveni Sangam, despite initial plans to leave him at home.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his wife Amruta Fadnavis took a holy dip at Sangam -- the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers -- here and performed Ganga

Officials expect visitor count at Kumbh Mela to exceed 550-600 million, with 12 days left in the six-week event.

Over 50 crore devotees have taken a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam during the ongoing Maha Kumbh till Friday evening, which is more than the combined population of the US and Russia, the government said.

Over 50 crore devotees have participated in the Maha Kumbh Mela at the Triveni Sangam, marking the largest congregation in human history. Despite a deadly stampede, the event has drawn countless pilgrims.

BJP National Vice President and Mahbubnagar MP D.K. Aruna participated in the Maha Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh and took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam along with her family members.

The 50 crore footfall marks the largest congregation in human history for any religious, cultural, or social event, claims UP government.

Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi recently marked a significant spiritual moment by taking a dip in the holy waters of the Maha Kumbh.

The Mahakumbh, the world’s largest religious pilgrimage, is drawing millions of devotees to Prayagraj for a sacred dip in the holy Triveni Sangam. Among the sea of pilgrims, an unexpected participant has stolen the internet’s heart—a beagle named Zorawar.