Govardhan puja was organised at various places here. Under the aegis of Shri Braj Ras Rasik Bhajan Mandal, the 44th Shri Govardhan Puja Mahotsav was celebrated with great pomp at Shyama Sadan Radhe Krishna Enclave, Lukerganj.
Earlier, a grand procession of Shri Krishna and Balram was taken out with musical instruments. The tableau of Shri Krishna and Balram riding on the chariot was the centre of attraction among the people. Hundreds of Krishna devotees took part in the procession. The procession left Radhe Krishna Enclave and reached Shyama Sadan via Lukerganj, Himmatganj Khuldabad where it was given a grand welcome. Various cultural programmes were presented by the artistes of Bhajan Mandal.
On the occasion BJP Mahanagar president Rajendra Mishra performed aarti and praised the programme coordinator Dr Akhil Nigam.
BJP Mahanagar president Rajendra Mishra and former Deputy Mayor Murari Lal Agarwal presented incentive awards to the child artistes. Mahant of Nimbarka Ashram Shri Radha Madhav Das Ji Maharaj highlighted the importance of Govardhan Puja. Bhajan Mandal director Atul Nigam expressed his gratitude to all the devotees present.
Earlier the festival of lights Diwali was celebrated in the city with great enthusiasm, gaiety and fervour. The temples were tastefully decorated with flower petals, decorative lights, bulbs and buntings. In the evening people dressed in their traditional attire performed ‘puja’ of Lord Ganesh and Mother Goddess Laxmi. Thereafter, they visited each other’s home and exchanged greetings. Sweets were distributed to the near and dear ones.
The highlight of evening was the joy and merriment of the youngsters who came out on the streets to burst crackers. The sweetmeat sellers did brisk business. While the sweets made of dry fruits were sold at Rs 1,000 per kg, those made from pure ghee were sold at Rs 500.
This year there was huge sale of dry fruits.
Meanwhile, children at orphanage at Khuldabad had a special Diwali this year with senior police officials. Senior police officials celebrated it with the children at the orphanage.
Children presented several cultural programmes and displayed their dancing and singing skills. Senior cops not only distributed sweets among the children but also burst firecrackers with them.
AQI REACHES 302: The air of Prayagraj has become more poisonous post Diwali. The air quality index (AQI) here has reached 302. Municipal Corporation office Civil Lines has been among the most polluted places. The AQI score here has been recorded at 302. Katra is among the second most polluted places and the AQI score here has been 293. After this comes Jhunsi and the AQI here has been 290. The AQI of Katra has been 277. After Diwali, the air of Sangam city became poisonous on Monday. The amount of Particle pollution (PM) 2.5 has increased almost eight times compared to normal days. Instruments to measure air quality index have been installed in Prayagraj Municipal Corporation Complex, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT) and Jhunsi. PM 2.5 is being measured through this. The amount of PM 2.5 in the Municipal Corporation premises on November 1, 2023 was 255 micro grams cubic. On Diwali day this figure reached 302 respectively. Similarly, the figures of MNNIT for the last three days were 124, 220 and 190 respectively. Pollution levels in Jhunsi area were recorded at 148, 237 and 217.
Dr Rajeev Singh of Narayan Swaroop Hospital says children and elderly people should take special care when dust particles increase in the environment. Dust and smoke should also be avoided. It is better to wear a mask while going out.
As pollution increases, problems like swelling in the lungs may occur. Asthma patients face more problems when air pollution increases.