''Kartik Poornima'' celebrated with religious fervour

Anand, Nov 5 (UNI) Thousands of devotees today visited the temple towns of Dakor, Vadtal and Fagwel on the occasion of ''Kartik Poornima''.

Scores of the devotees had travelled on foot to reach the Ranchhod Rai (Lord Krishna) temple in Dakor carrying ''tulsi'' plants in keeping with the religious tradition.

On this day, the deity is adorned with a crown worth crores of rupees. According to tradition, the crown was presented to the temple by a courtesan 200 years ago. At that time it is estimated to have cost Rs 1.25 lakh. Only on three occasions in a year -- ''Sharad Poornima'', ''Janmashthami'' and ''Kartik Poornima'', the deity is adorned with the crown.

At least 1.5 lakh pilgrims were present for the ''mangla aarti'' at 0400 hrs today. Security measures were in place to ward off any possibility of stampede.

In Vadtal, a seven-day long ''Harekrishna fest'' culminated today.

About six lakh people visited the town during the festival. Large numbers of people also paid obeisance to Bhathiji Maharaj in Fagwel.

Hundreds of people took a dip in the Mahisagar river in Vasad, Ghadteswear and Verakhadi areas on the holy occasion.

However, the traditional fair held on this day in Vautha was cancelled as farmers of the village have incurred losses due to the des truction crops during floods this year.

UNI RP-MMG MAZ MS RN1906