A record 60 lakh pilgrims took holy dip in the Ganga here on the occasion of Somvati Amavasya on Monday, claimed the officials. The influx of devotees had begun a day ahead of the snan on Sunday. A long weekend and the auspicious occasion beckoned pilgrims and tourists from Delhi-NCR region and nearby States like Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. Temporary bus stands made at Rishikul witnessed heavy rush of pilgrims. Rickshaw pullers and paddle trolleys had a boom time helping the tourists reach their destination albeit at an exorbitant charge. Seeing the heavy rush of pilgrims, the alternative hill bypass route was opened for public to ease congestion on the main roads of the city.
The period of merit for Amavasya started on Monday morning and lasted till evening. As many as 40 lakh pilgrims had taken the holy dip at Har Ki Pauri till 2 pm on Monday, say the cops. Pilgrims from all parts of the country thronged the sanctum sanctorum to gain the merit of having snan on Somwati Amavasya.
The people performed tarpan (offering to the ancestors) at Narayani Shila and Kushawart ghat. It is believed that whatever one offers on this day to the deceased by the family members, it reaches them. The merit gained is even more than performing ‘Ashwamedha yajnas’, the myths goes.
Speaking to The Pioneer, SSP Rajeev Swaroop said, “With the opening of the hill by-pass road, there was no blockage on the highway or other roads connecting Har Ki Pauri. Till 2o clock 40 lakhs pilgrims had taken the dip at Har Ki Pauri and other Ganga ghats and after evening arati, the number is expected to cross 60 lakhs. Highway was not closed at any point of time. Four wheelers were allowed beyond Rishikul in the afternoon till the railway station.”
Disscussing about the traffic arrangements, SSP Rajeev Swaroop said added, “The whole of mela zone had been divided into two super-zones, 13 zones and 37 sectors. Cops were positioned across the highway apart from the district police personnel and the major crossings to ensure that the people do not stand midway creating traffic chaos. While diverting the traffic from laksar region, the pace slowed down but from nowhere was traffic jam reported.”
Zero zone was marked from post office tri-junction to the main market of Har Ki Pauri and towards Bhim Goda area. Two teams of Bomb squad and dog squad were deployed in the mela zone and the whole area was under the eye of close circuit cameras, added the SSP.