Mon Dec 30 20:12:12 UTC 2024: ## Thousands Gather in Haridwar for Somvati Amavasya
**Haridwar, India:** Thousands of devotees thronged Haridwar on Monday morning to take a holy dip in the Ganges River on the auspicious occasion of Somvati Amavasya. This Hindu festival is considered highly significant, with rituals including bathing, charity, ancestral rites (Shraddha and Tarpan), and prayers to the Peepal tree.
Pilgrims from across India converged at the ghats, believing these acts bring blessings, prosperity, and divine grace. Rajesh, a devotee from Delhi, told ANI, “It’s a festival of faith. Scriptures tell us Somvati Amavasya didn’t exist during the Dvapara Yuga, leading Yudhisthira to curse Mother Ganga to appear more frequently in Kali Yuga to bless humanity. The feeling after bathing is sacred, inexpressible. The atmosphere is exhilarating; there’s barely space to stand in this cold.”
Madhusudan, another devotee, described his first experience attending Ganga Aarti as one of immense peace, stating that despite the cold, the spiritual atmosphere made it all worthwhile. He prayed for the safety and happiness of the nation. Ankit Saini highlighted the strong faith of the crowd, noting many traveled long distances for the ritual and prayed for national peace and prosperity. He praised the excellent arrangements, including police support and local assistance.
Manju Nagpal, attending with her family, expressed the special feeling of bathing in the Ganges on this day, emphasizing the deep devotion and reverence felt towards Mother Ganga. The event was described as a fulfilling experience for all.
First Piper 