Lakhs take dip amid solar eclipse

KURUKSHETRA: Lakhs of pilgrims took a holy dip in the Brahmasarovar as a partial solar eclipse coincided with the 'Somvati Amavasya' for the first time in 500 years on Monday.

Amid recitations of Srimadbhagvad Geeta of Lord Krishna, Haryana Chief Minister BS Hooda, his wife Asha Hooda and several ministers and senior government officials joined the people in offering prayers on the occasion which also marked the start of the 'Chaitra Navratra' period of austerity.

A partial solar eclipse beginning at 6.08 am was visible across the country, making it the first time the celestial configuration occurred along with 'Somvati Amavasya' in 500 years, officials said.

"The authorities had made adequate arrangements to ensure safety of the pilgrims and upgraded the infrastructure for their lodging at 14 "welcome rooms", they said adding around 8 lakh people bathed at the Brahmasarovar on the occasion.

The mela area was divided into 10 sectors with a magistrate for each sector who maintained contact with the others through mobile phones.

Security was tightened on Delhi, Chandigarh, Kurukshetra, Kaithal and Jind rail routes besides the bus stands and railway stations.

Hooda later said that the importance of the ancient town of Kurukshetra could be assessed from the fact that generations of pilgrims from all over the country visit it to get peace and solace.