Over 20 lakh pilgrims converge for Paush Poornima

Lucknow, Jan 22 (UNI) Over 20 lakh devotees converged on Paush Poornima during the ongoing Magh Mela to seep in the highly spiritual ambience and enjoy the colour, beauty and often bizarre sights of the Mela, which has a special attraction of its own.

The Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswathi rivers meet at Allahabad, which is popularly identified as Prayag. It is this confluence of the holy rivers that has made Prayag one of the holiest spots in Hinduism.

The month long (Jan-Feb) Magh Mela is a great momentous event, where one can realize the essence of India's great religious traditions.

After Makar Sankranti, Paush Poornima is the second most important bathing ritual during the annual Magh fair.

Braving spine-chilling cold, people started congregating in the holy city from yesterday itself to have a dip in the icy water of Ganga.

However, some 'saints and mahatmas' boycotted royal bath, owing to its increasing pollution.

Posse of police, including ati-terrorist and bomb disposal squads, were deployed in the mela premises for security reasons.

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