Kartik Poornima observed with zeal in UP

Lucknow, Nov 13 (UNI) Lakhs of devotees today took a holy dip in rivers to mark Kartik Poornima with religious fervour and gaiety, even as the temple city of Varanasi prepares for its renowned Dev Deepawali expected to be observed with same enthusiasm in the evening.

Irrespective of the weather conditions, the worshippers thronged various ghats and took a holy dip in rivers early in the morning.

A huge rush was seen in Ayodhya, where the devotees took the holy dip in river Saryu and later proceeded towards temples, which were tastefully decorated on the occasion.

Sri Ram Janmabhoomi complex, Hanumangari and other renowned temples were decorated with flowers that caught everybody's attention.

A similar scene was witnessed in Varanasi, where lakhs of people drawn from the city and neighbouring districts, took a holy dip in Ganga. A huge rush of devotees was seen at Kashi Vishwanath, Sankatmochan and Durga temples. The devouts had started congregating in the religious city from last night and had taken shelter at ghats, temples and road pavements.

On the day, the worshippers gave alms to beggars and visited temples and performed puja.

Thounsands of people, including foreign tourists, had already arrived in Varanasi to witness the world famous Dev Deepawali Mahotasava, which would be observed this evening on the Ganga ghats.

On this day, the entire town descents on the ghats. As many as five lakh people were expected to witness the mahotasava.

The event would also be beamed live on cable channels. Adequate security arrangements have been made in the state on the occasion.

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