National

Thousands Take Mahashivratri Bath in Ganges during Mahakumbh

Thousands of Hindu devotees took dips in the chilly waters of the Ganges river on Friday, the Mahashivratri, one of the most auspicious days of a month-long Mahakumbh festival, reported Associated Press.

Anand Vardhan, supervising officer of Kumbh Mela, said that around 2 million Hindu devotees – including large groups of sadhus – are expected to take bathe in the holy waters, said report.

On the occasion, a large number of police officials equipped with closed-circuit TV and metal detectors were kept on alert for terror attacks, stampede and crime among the pilgrims, who will crowd into tents or sleep outside during the more than 100-day festival, report said.

Officials constantly announced on loudspeakers asking people to move in orderly lines to the specially marked bathing areas along the river banks, said report.

“We are keeping an eye on every movement. We are well prepared for this day,” Alok Sharma, the deputy inspector general of police, was quoted as saying.

The festival, which is celebrated every three years and rotates among four Indian cities, commenced in Haridwar on January 13 and ends on April 28.

Thousands of pilgrims began taking dips before dawn on Friday with temperatures falling below 50 degrees (10 degrees Celsius). Devout Hindus believe bathing in the Ganges will cleanse them of their sins and free them from the cycle of life and rebirth, said report.

Show More

Related Articles

Back to top button

Adblock Detected

Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker