Somvati Amavasya: Millions bathe in Ganga

         Haridwar: Lakhs of Hindus today took a holy dip in the Ganga on the occasion of Somvati Amavasya. Worshippers from all over the country had begun converging along the river's banks from the midnight to take a holy dip in its waters. After the holy dip, devotees thronged the near-by temples and other religious places and offered prayers and joined the religious congregations. Though "Amavasya" or new moon day occurs every month, it is believed to be the most auspicious when it falls on a Monday. "It is considered to be very auspicious to take a dip in the holy Ganges on the day of Somvati Amavasya. It is believed that with this holy dip we can attain salvation," said, Sri B.L Vishvakarma. Local priests added to the significance claiming it was after a long gap that the night without moon had come during the month of rains. Talking of the relevance of this day a devotee said, "In satyug Rishi Munis would meditate for years but even then Somavati Amavasya wouldn't occur. Therefore, the priests out of anger cursed the amavasya that in Kalyug Somavati Amavasya will have to fall very often. This is the reason as to why so many no moon nights fall in one year." "Today we are here to pray for our ancestors so that their souls may rest in peace." Said, Rita Singh, Devotee. Such a large congregation of people however spells nightmare for the security personnel who braced themselves to handle the teeming millions. "The bathing started at around 1:30 in the morning and till now some 10 lakh people have taken a dip. Till evening I expect the rush to be around 15-20 lakhs. We have divided the city into 9 zones and 33 sectors. In these we have some 700 constables, 125 policemen inspectors, 11 Deputy SPs and a lot more force. The atmosphere till now has been very peacefull." said Mr, Jagat Ram Joshi, SP, Haridwar A few years back when the Amavasya had fallen on a Monday in 1996, several people had lost their lives in a violent stampede. Hence, this year the police had made adequate arrangements to aviod any such tragedy.
June 6, 2005

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