Devotees in lakhs reach Haridwar for second shahi snan

Hindu devotees gather to bathe in the River Ganges, holy to Hindus, during the Kumbh Mela festival in Haridwar, India, Sunday, March 14, 2010. Devout Hindus bathe in the Ganges during the months-long festival, expected to attract more than 10 million people, with the belief that it will cleanse them of their sins and free them from the cycle of life and rebirth. AP

Adequate security arrangements have been put in place at har ki pauri and bramhakund which will be open for public till about 10 am tomorrow.

According to mela administration, various 'akharas' would start taking out their procession from 9.30 am and reach har ki pauri by about 11 am. In view of this, public would not be allowed from 9.30 am till 4 am.

Only sadhus of various 'akharas' would be allowed to take bath at the two places during these hours, officials said.In view of the massive congregation, traffic diversions have been made a day ahead of the second 'shahi snan'.

According to a report from Muzaffarnagar, heavy traffic on Delhi-Haridwar national highway has been diverted near Purkazi town through Deoband road to here owing to congestion. Tomorrow, Niranjani akhara would first take the dip followed by Juna akhara.