Allahabad (UP): Braving chilly weather,
lakhs of devotees on Monday thronged the confluence of Ganga,
Yamuna and mythical river Saraswati here on the auspicious
occasion of 'Mauni Amavasya'.
People from nearby villages as well as far-off places in
the country had started pouring in since last night to take
holy dip in the 'sangam' on the occasion, which was rendered
more special this year on account of the no-moon day
coinciding with a Monday.
Tight security arrangements were in place in the
sprawling landscape around the 'sangam' where the annual
religious congregation of 'magh mela' is also underway.
Local police assisted by Provincial Armed Constabulary,
in addition to personnel from Anti-Terrorist Squad and Special
Task Force of Uttar Pradesh police kept a round-the-clock
vigil as devotees went on with their ritual bathing.
Entry of vehicles into the area around the 'sangam' had
been suspended since yesterday afternoon which resulted in
traffic snarls at various areas across the city.
PTI
First Published: Monday, January 23, 2012, 22:05