The Hindu : Other States / Uttar Pradesh News : Lakhs take dip on `mauni amavasya'

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Wednesday, Feb 09, 2005

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Other States - Uttar Pradesh

Lakhs take dip on `mauni amavasya'

ALLAHABAD, FEB. 8 .Lakhs of devotees today took a dip in holy rivers across north India including Sangam, the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, on the occasion of `mauni amavasya' which marks the new moon day of the Hindu month of Magha.

Braving the fog and chilly weather following yesterday's rainfall in the region, a large number of devout Hindus from across the country thronged the Sangam since the crack of dawn to take a holy dip.

On this day, the faithfuls observe silence and fast, and bathe in holy rivers.

Keeping in mind the heavy rush, the administration had set up eight bathing ghats for the devotees, official sources said.

The magh mela is also underway here giving the entire area a look of a carnival.

Besides the Sangam, a large number of devotees were also seen taking a dip in the Ganga in the Daraganj area and also the Yamuna in Araila.

In Kanpur, devotees gathered on the banks of the river Ganga since early morning and took a dip in the river and offered prayers.

In Varanasi, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Aassi Ghat, Scindia Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat and other embankments of the Ganga were crowded with pilgrims from the district and adjoining areas who came here to take the holy dip.

They also offered prayers at various temples including Kashi Vishwanath, Sankat Mochan, MahaMrtunjaya and Markandey temples and other religious places on the occasion. PTI

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