The climax of the Kumbha Mela is the bathing processions on the Kumbh Day, usually April 14.  The traditional bathing order relegates Bairagis behind the Sanyasis, but in 1998 the Bairagis had much larger numbers, in part because they traveled with their lay devoteees.  Here is one of the Bairagi mahants, traveling in state to the bathing place seated on a throne on a jeep, covered by an umbrella (the throne and umbrella are traditional signs of high status, and the jeep an updated version of the horse or elephant.

Both the Sanyasi and the Bairagi akharas have their genesis in groups of ascetics who served as mercenary soldiers and traders, in some cases up to the 20th century.  This martial past comes out in the Kumbha Mela processions, which often involve carrying and brandishing weapons.  Here the man in the center is doing a little swordplay with a long and flexible sword, while his companions keep a safe distance.  Several other men can be seen carrying swords, and the man at the right draped in the red cloth is holding a battle-axe.

This ascetic shows his prowess in wielding a battle-axe.  Although to foreign observers such displays have the air of play-acting, for the ascetics themselves these processions are about enacting their sovereignty over the area, and reinforcing the identity stemming from their martial past.  Thus, these ceremonial occasions are extremely important to them, and a prudent person will observe them with extreme respect. 

Haridwar, April 1998.