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Massive security in Nasik for second `Shahi Snan`
Nasik, Aug 17: At least 20 lakh pilgrims and thousands of sadhus and holy men are expected to take holy dip today in `Ramkund,` where Lord Ram took `Vanvas` (exile) according to legend, in the second `Shahi Snan` (royal bath) of `Nasik-Trimbakeshwar Sinhastha Kumbh Mela 2003`, amidst massive security arrangements.
Nashik, Aug 17: At least 20 lakh pilgrims and thousands of sadhus and holy men are expected to take holy dip today in 'Ramkund,' where Lord Ram took 'Vanvas' (exile) according to legend, in the second 'Shahi Snan' (royal bath) of 'Nasik-Trimbakeshwar Sinhastha Kumbh Mela 2003', amidst massive security arrangements.
This will be the first royal bath in Ramkund in the city, following the first 'Shahi Snan' of Trimbakeshwar on Aug 12. Only Mahants (head priests) and sadhus belonging to the 'Vaishnav' sect will take holy dip in today's royal bath, which will not see the presence of the enigmatic 'Naga' sadhus. The Vaishnav sect is spread in three 'Akhadas'- Nirvani, Digambar and Nirmohi.
District Collector Mahesh Zagde said between 15 and 20 lakh pilgrims are expected to take holy dip today. The pilgrim city has become a virtual fortress with thousands of policemen and extra forces drawn from various departments guarding key entry points.
Bomb-detection squads with sniffer dogs have been pressed into service while a rapid action force has been kept as reserve in case of any eventuality, keeping in view the recent terrorist attacks on religious places.
According to P T Lohar, City Police Commissioner, more than 7000 policemen, 1650 home guards, 6000 volunteers and 15 platoons of State Reserve Police Force have been deployed in the area.
Bureau Report
This will be the first royal bath in Ramkund in the city, following the first 'Shahi Snan' of Trimbakeshwar on Aug 12. Only Mahants (head priests) and sadhus belonging to the 'Vaishnav' sect will take holy dip in today's royal bath, which will not see the presence of the enigmatic 'Naga' sadhus. The Vaishnav sect is spread in three 'Akhadas'- Nirvani, Digambar and Nirmohi.
District Collector Mahesh Zagde said between 15 and 20 lakh pilgrims are expected to take holy dip today. The pilgrim city has become a virtual fortress with thousands of policemen and extra forces drawn from various departments guarding key entry points.
Bomb-detection squads with sniffer dogs have been pressed into service while a rapid action force has been kept as reserve in case of any eventuality, keeping in view the recent terrorist attacks on religious places.
According to P T Lohar, City Police Commissioner, more than 7000 policemen, 1650 home guards, 6000 volunteers and 15 platoons of State Reserve Police Force have been deployed in the area.
Bureau Report