Mumbai, June 15: Haridwar witnessed an extraordinary display of faith during the auspicious occasion of Somvati Amavasya. From early morning, devotees flocked to major ghats along the Ganges, including Har Ki Pauri, to partake in sacred rituals.
Millions of pilgrims immersed themselves in the Ganges, offering prayers and performing rituals. In light of the large turnout, local authorities maintained heightened security measures, deploying police forces throughout the area. District Magistrate Mayur Dixit and SSP Navneet Singh Bhullar personally inspected the arrangements and provided necessary directives to officials.
Akhada Parishad President Ravindra Puri noted that a rare astrological alignment has occurred after nearly three centuries. The current planetary positions, coupled with the simultaneous Amavasya and the additional month, make this event particularly significant. This day holds special importance not only for Haridwar but also for other pilgrimage sites like Prayagraj and Ayodhya. He advised those observing a month-long fast to perform Tarpan for their ancestors on this day. Pilgrims are encouraged to bathe in sacred rivers and, if unable to do so, mix a bit of Ganga water with their bathing water at home while remembering their forebears. The day is deemed especially auspicious for ancestral offerings and prayers for their liberation and well-being.
Ravindra Puri referenced the Bhagavad Gita, stating that Lord Krishna identified the Peepal tree as significant among all trees, as it provides oxygen around the clock. This is why ancient sages established traditions of worship and protection for the Peepal tree. He emphasized the importance of bathing in the Ganges first on Somvati Amavasya, followed by offering prayers to Lord Shiva and performing Tarpan for deceased family members around noon. Additionally, he encouraged devotees to provide food and donations to needy Brahmins.
Devotees expressed enthusiasm for the rituals, highlighting the day’s significance for Ganga bathing, charity, and Tarpan for ancestors. Akhada Parishad President Mahant Ravindra Puri reiterated that this unique astrological event occurs once every 300 years during the month of Jeth. He noted that bathing and Tarpan at pilgrimage sites like Haridwar, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya yield great spiritual merit. Currently, the rituals continue smoothly in Haridwar amid faith, security, and administrative preparations.
District Magistrate Mayur Dixit confirmed that the bathing rituals are ongoing, with a large number of devotees arriving at the Ganga ghats. The administration has ensured all necessary arrangements at the ghats. SSP Navneet Singh Bhullar reported the establishment of six super zones, 16 zones, and 40 sectors, staffed by officers at various levels to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. Teams from SDRF, NDRF, Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS), and Dog Squads have also been deployed for the safety of the pilgrims.
SSP Navneet Singh Bhullar stated that teams from SDRF and NDRF are on standby for security, with additional forces including BDS and Dog Squads also present. Furthermore, other security teams are actively monitoring the situation.
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