Devotees take holy dip in river Ganges on Magh Purnima

Haridwar, Jan 30 (ANI): Around hundreds of devotees took a holy dip in river Ganges at Haridwar today on the occasion of 'Magh Purnima', the full moon of the Hindu month of 'Magha', during the Kumbh Mela.

There is a belief among the Hindus that bathing in the river Ganges during the nearly four-month-long festival, and especially on full moon day, cleanses them of their sins.

Devotees gathered near the banks of Ganges before dawn and began bathing as soon as the sun rose.

Ramesh Kumar, a devotee said, "By taking a bath on this day washes away all our sins and it brings peace and prosperity to the entire family. By bathing in the holy river (Ganges) on this day, the entire family besides me gets to prosper."

Several tourists were present to witness the 'Maha Kumbh Mela'.

A foreign tourist said, "I came because this is the twelfth year of the 'Kumbh Mela'. I wanted to be a participant and see the traditions and all the religions, and everything that happens here. I wanted to be part of it."

There is a belief that Haridwar is one of four spots where Garuda, the winged steed of Hindu god Vishnu, is said to have rested during a battle with demons over a pitcher of the divine nectar, which grants immortality.

Garuda's flight lasted 12 divine days, or 12 years of mortal time, hence the celebration of 'Kumbh Mela' every 12 years. (ANI)