Ascetic nudism

Refers to public nudity or nakedness for a religious cause. It also describes a kind of spiritual naturism. The Greeks described those who practice ascetic nudism as naked philosophy or gymnosophy.

Examples include the Carpocrations, Doukhobors, Adamites, Adamianis, Encratites, Naaktloopers, naked quakers, and Marcosians of Christianity; ¹Nudity in Ancient to Modern Cultures”. Therapy, Nudity & Joy: The Therapeutic Use of Nudity Through the Ages, from Ancient Ritual to Modern Psychology  Indian’s naga Sadhus;²Ascetic life Nude Naga sadhus Jain Digambara; Sefer Digambara Pulkhanim ha’Yehudi in the Jewish tradition; and some Sikh sects ³Pakistan’s Sufi dervishes, Digambar Jain monks and Udasi sadhus

The kumbh mela festival is an example of an ascetic nudist activity.⁴Devotees including Naga Sadhus gather to take holy dip during Gangasagar Mela

References

• 1
  Nudity in Ancient to Modern Cultures”. Therapy, Nudity & Joy: The Therapeutic Use of Nudity Through the Ages, from Ancient Ritual to Modern Psychology 
• 2
  Ascetic life Nude Naga sadhus
• 3
  Pakistan’s Sufi dervishes, Digambar Jain monks and Udasi sadhus
• 4
  Devotees including Naga Sadhus gather to take holy dip during Gangasagar Mela