Kartik Purnima celebrated, lakhs take dip

Lucknow, Nov 5 (UNI) The twin festivals of Kartik Purnima and Gurunanak Jayanti were celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety in different parts of Uttar Pradesh today.

An estimated five lakh devouts took the holy dip in river Saryu in Ayodhya and offered prayers at the famous temples including the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi, Hanumangarhi and Kanak Bhawan.

A large number of pilgrims converged to seep in the highly spiritual ambience and enjoy the colour, beauty and often bizarre sights of the ongoing 'Kartik Purnima Mela' in the holy city.

Devotees also thronged the temple town of Varanasi and took dip in the holy Ganga. The 80 odd ghats dotting the river in the city hosted a '' twinkling fantasy '' as zillions of ''diyas'' marked the auspicious occasion of 'Dev Deepawali Mahautsav', to the delight of the innumerable pilgrims.

In Allahabad lakhs of devotees took the sacred dip in the Sangam-- the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers.

Devotees also took dips in the holy rivers in Gonda, Mahoba Balia, Jaunpur, Mahoba and Banda besides offering prayers at the famous temples.

A report from Muzaffarpur said lakhs of devotees reached the ancient religious site Shukrataal lake here for the holy bath on the occasion.

People here believe that thousands of years ago, 'Maharishi' Shukdev had recited Bhagwad Gita for King Parikshit. The lake also owes significance as Shakuntala, the mother of King Bharat, had lost her finger ring in this lake.

About 26 km from the district headquarter, this place owes special importance for UP as after Hardwar going in Uttaranchal, the Shukrataal lake has become an important religious site for the people.

The Sikh community also offered prayers at the sacred occasion of ''Guru Nanak Jayanti'' in various Gurudwaras of the state.

UNI ATI MS BST1905