Religious tempest in Pushkar, lakhs take dip today

Ajmer, Nov 2 (UNI) Lakhs of devotees took a dip in the holy Pushkar lake on the occasion of Kartik ekadashi today, marking the beginning of the annual ritual of 'Panchtirth Mahasnan' which will continue till full moon on November 5.

Pushkar, considered one of the holiest pilgrimage for Hindus, is currently in the midst of the internationally renowned Pushkar mela, where lakhs of Indian and foreigners devotees and tourists converge to seep in the highly spiritual ambience and enjoy the colour, beauty and often bizarre sights of this unusual mela.

Lakhs of pilgrims from various corners of the country have begun arriving in Pushkar from today to take a dip in the Pushkar lake, which is believed to wash off all sins committed in the past.

The annual 'Spiritual Yatra' (procession) began from the Brahma temple, the only temple in the world with thousands of devotees singing paeans in praise of the lord. The procession saw priests, and thousands of foreigners attired in Indian wear participating with equal enthusiasm and devotion.

The procession took a round of the 52 ghats of the lake before reaching the fair grounds. Pushkar, about 13 km from Ajmer, situated on the oldest Aravalli mountain range, has presently become a riot of colours with its roads and air smeared with colours of red roses and synthetic colours.

All the 500 big and small temples have been decorated and lighted up. Processions with bhajan-singing groups coming out of temple each and religious chants renting the air are part of a daily routine.

The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation's tourist village is all ready for the thousands of foreigners who coverged here for the unusual and religious fair.

The tourists will be able to enjoy Rajasthan folk music and dance and culture in this specially created village. Different traditional sports activities are also being organised to attract the tourists.

The fair along with special animal fair will end on full moon (Kartik purnima) on November 5 with the traditional dip in the Pushkar lake.

According to Padam Puran and other religious texts, Pushkar is considered the home of the creator of the world Lord Brahma. It is believed that Brahma organised a five-day yagna in Pushkar before creating the world and that 33 crore Gods and Goddesses reside in Pushkar during this time.

There is a saying that those who visit Pushkar during this time receive God's special blessings.

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