Early Times Report
PRAYAGRAJ, Jan 15: More than 36 lakh devotees took dip in the Ganga and the Sangam at the ongoing Magh Mela here on Thursday on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, officials said.
A Magh Mela administration official said bathing began from midnight and by 10 am, over 36 lakh people had performed the ritual bath.
Given that the auspicious period for Makar Sankranti continues throughout the day, the number of pilgrims is expected to cross one crore by evening, he added.
Local resident Gauri Ojha said she considered herself fortunate as she has been able to take dip at the Sangam every year.
"As a resident of Prayagraj, I feel blessed that I can bathe at the Sangam during the Magh Mela. The significance of today's bath is enhanced by the Sun's transition into Uttarayan," she said.
Ojha added that she had brought a special vessel of water from Varanasi and had also collected Sangam water, which she would later offer to Lord Shiva. She also noted that facilities for women had improved considerably.
"Changing rooms are now available at the ghats, which were not there a few years ago. Earlier, women and girls faced difficulties, but the arrangements are much better now," she said, but added that some people also needed to ensure proper disposal of used clothes and other materials at the ghats.
Another local resident, Preeti, said the experience of bathing at the Sangam on Makar Sankranti was "extraordinary" and praised the arrangements made by the administration. |
