Sadhus of India
There are five million sadhus in India today, and they are widely respected for their holiness, while also feared by some who believe they have the power to inflict curses.
From Naga, Bandu, Yogi, Siwadas to Bakti and more…trying to achieve spiritual illumination and liberation from the cycle of reincarnation. Sadhu men usually cover themselves with ash or chalk and paint their faces following the god they have devoted themselves to. The ash represents their death to their worldly life.
Sadhus leave their home and family and reject an earthly life, which includes all their worldly attachments. Sadhus don’t lead a normal life like others; they choose to live poorly and only find richness in spirit and humanity. People are impressed by the colorfulness and uniqueness of these sadhus.
They frequently smoke cannabis which, although illegal for everyone else, is said to help them communicate with #Shiva, one of the most popular Hindu gods.