Special correspondent
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Prayagaraj (UP) : Mahakumbh is considered as the biggest festival of Hindus in the entire world. This was amply proved by observing a sea of more than 3 crores of Hindu devotees gathered at the confluence of 3 rivers (Triveni Sangam) at Prayagaraj on 10th February. The tithi (Auspicious day) of Mauni Amavasya began from 3.15 p.m. on 9th February. Since then, a sea of devotees had gathered on the 22 banks of river Ganga and confluence to take a Holy bath. Till 8 a.m. on 10th February, more than 2 crores of Hindu devotees took a Holy bath; this number reached 3 crores till the end of the day. The ritual of Holy bath was performed under very strict security arrangements. After the Holy bath by Naga Sadhus of Juna Akhada, remaining 12 Akhadas took a Holy bath as per pre-planned time schedule.
Cover of strict security !
The security network had made a perfect security arrangements earlier itself in view of expected rush of devotees towards the confluence. About 100 closed circuit TV cameras were installed on the banks of river Ganga and at other important locations. The India-Tibet Border Police jawans were keeping a close watch on the entire bank of the river Ganga and nearby area of confluence from 24 watch towers. Army also used to conduct occasional parade in the area.
An auspicious coincidence occurring after 147 years !
On Mauni Amavasya, the planets Shani (Saturn) and Rahu have come together. This is a rare occurrence and happened after the lapse of 147 years. During this period, the sun and the moon will travel together in their orbit. Therefore, this period is considered as very beneficial for taking a bath, donation, and shraddha (Special rituals performed for the departed ancestors). This special occasion also caused the rush of devotees in an increased proportion.
Water in the river Ganga still remains dirty !
The water in the river of God, Ganga continued to look reddish, irrespective of the fact whether it was a first Holy bath on Makar sankrant or a Holy bath on Mauni Amavasya. The claim of the administration that the reddish colour of water will be eliminated by Mauni Amavasya came to nought. This forced many devotees to take a Holy bath in shallow water. (River Ganga is prestige of the country ! Morally pervert and Tama- predominant rulers are causing the destruction of its sanctity. It is a need of the hour that Hindus should unite to prevent this calamity ! – Editor SP)
