Awahan akhara continued its flip-flop, reneged on the agreement reached last night in the All-India Akhara Parishad to iron out issues with the Joona akhara and did not turn up for the grand bath, prompting authorities to close its camp for "security reasons".

Some eight lakh sadhus of the other 12 sects, comprising nude Shaivite 'naga' ascetics and of Vaishnav akharas, headed for Sangam - the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers - in majestic processions to offer prayers to the Sun on the extended occasion of Makar Sankranti.

This year's harvest festival was marked by some confusion over its culmination as the sun was due to enter the Tropic of Capricorn late last night as per astrological calculations.

Some 'sants' and 'mahants' were perched atop chariots with ascetic followers in tow and accompanied by musical bands while 'naga sanyasis' of Joona, Niranjani, Anand, Atal and Mahanirvani Akharas came flourishing swords and spears in their traditional martial style.

Without the participation of the 'nagas' - who invite curious glances from pilgrims and foreigners at the megaevent - the 'shahi snan' of Ardh Kumbh or Mahakumbh is considered incomplete.

Several akharas had disciples from abroad and their heads were welcomed by administration officials by with flower garlands.