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.

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

Over 50 crore devotees have taken a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam till Friday evening during the ongoing Maha Kumbh, the Uttar Pradesh government said.

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.