Lakhs take dip on occasion of solar eclipse

Kurukshetra, Aug 1 (UNI) Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda was among the lakhs of pilgrims who took a dip in the sacred Brahamasarovera on the occasion of solar eclipse fair here today.

While interacting with mediapersons, shortly after having a dip in the sarover, the Chief Minister said that he prayed for prosperity of the state and the country and world peace.

As the clock struck 1600 hours, the hour of the solar eclipse, a large number of saints and pilgrims who had thronged this holy town from various parts of the country, took a dip in sacred sarovers amidst chanting of hymns and blowing of counches.

The eclipse was visible in Kurukshetra upto 1755 hours.

According to ancient scriptures, one gets salvation by having a dip in sacred sarovers here.

The district administration had made elaborate arrangements to facilitate the pilgrims. According to Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Aggarwal, all pilgrims coming to the holy city were insured and in case of unexpected death of a pilgrim within a radius of seven km from Brahamasarovera, an insurance claim of Rs one lakh would be given to the next of kin of the deceased.

This benefit of insurance cover is valid from 0800 on July 30 to 2000 hours on August 2.

It is for the first time that the mela administration had sought the services of 20 divers from the Indian Navy to strengthen rescue measures at sacred tanks. Also, close circuit cameras were installed at sensitive points to keep an eye on activities of anti-social elements.

With a view to facilitate physically challenged persons in reaching the Brahamasarovera, two special vans were pressed into service to run between Parakeet Tourist Complex at Pipli and Brahamsarovera and from Kurukshetra University's third gate to Brahamsarovera.

The district administration has already promulgated Section 144 of the Cr PC, prohibiting carrying of weapons, firearms and other material capable of being used as a weapon.The mela area was divided into ten sectors for the smooth conduct of the solar eclipse fair.

The Indian Railway had run 11 special trains from Delhi to Kurukshetra and made arrangement to halt 21 express trains here for the facility of pilgrims during the Solar Eclipse fair.

The State Transport Department has been plying special buses to facilitate pilgrims in their to and fro journeys.

Before performing "puja" on the banks of Brahamsarovera, the Chief Minister had a dip in its holy waters and swam. He was accompanied by HPCC President Phool Chand Mullana, MPs Naveen Jindal and Arvind Sharma, Ministers including Mr Mange Ram Gupta and Capt Ajay Yadav.

Former Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court Justice Vijender Jain, MLA Mr Vinod Sharma. Mrs Asha Hooda, wife of Chief Minister, also had a dip in Brahamsarovera and paid obeisance.

UNI HS BK1854