Today is Somvati Amavasya. It is a most auspicious day in the Hindu calendar. At the Mahakumbh going on at Haridwar, lakhs of devotees have gathered at Har Ki Pauri Ghat, since daybreak, to offer prayers to the Sun god and take a holy dip. Amid the surge in Covid-19 infections, there are a number of restrictions in place. According to the police, pilgrims have been allowed at the ghats till 7 am and after that the area has been reserved for the akharas. Somvati Amavasya is the second Shahi Snan day ay the Kumbh.
“We are continuously appealing to people to follow Covid appropriate behaviour. But due to the huge crowd, it is practically not possible to issue challans today. It is very difficult to ensure social distancing at ghats,” Kumbh Mela IG Sanjay Gunjyal told news agency ANI, adding that “A stampede-like situation may arise if we would try to enforce social distancing at ghats…”.
Somvati Amavasya has commenced on Sunday, April 11, and will conclude on Monday, April 12. Devotees get up early during the Brahma Mujhurat and take a dip in the holy river. They offer prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and observe a day-long fast for a peaceful life. People also offer water to Sun God and do Jalaabhishek at Shiviling. Devotees also offer prayers to ancestors and make donations to the poor and needy as an important ritual on this day.
