On account of 'Surya Grahan' on Wednesday which lasted for eight minutes from 6.35 am to 6.43 am, devotees took holy dip in Ganga at Har-ki-Pauri and various other ghats. The ritualistic worship was held in all city temples after the solar eclipse period was over.
The aarti of Ganga at Har-ki-Pauri was performed at 7.15 in the morning with the glorious chanting of lord Shiva.
The NASA had reported total solar eclipse visible in India, eastern parts of Asia and Australia. Renowned astrologer Prateek Mishrapuri of Kankhal said, "The Surya Grahan occurred in India between 5:07 am and 6:47am in the eastern parts of the country and the mid eclipse was at 6:37 am. In India it was a partial eclipse. In Haridwar it was observed between 6.35 am and 6.43 am."
About the fasting rituals, the astrologer said, "Usually during a Surya Grahan a fast is observed as per Hindu religion which begins about nine hours before the beginning of the eclipse. One must take holy dip after this and chant mantras dedicated to lord Vishnu or Shiva like the Ashtakshara Mantra or Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra."
The idols in the temples, including Daksheshwar Mahadev Shivalinga, were given holy bath in Ganga after the eclipse.