Haridwar gears up for Somvati Amavasya; massive security and traffic plan in place
Haridwar, June 14
Preparations are in their final stages in Haridwar for the Somvati Amavasya holy dip scheduled for tomorrow, with authorities expecting a heavy influx of devotees from across the states.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Haridwar, Navneet Singh Bhullar, said that extensive arrangements have been put in place to manage the crowd and ensure smooth conduct of the rituals.
He noted that traffic pressure is already visible on the highways leading into the city.
"Tomorrow is the Somvati Amavasya bath, and it is also the second weekend of June, so a large number of devotees are coming to Haridwar...Currently, there is a fair amount of traffic on the highway coming from outside; however, people are constantly being funnelled into the parking lots...A traffic diversion plan has just been implemented. Additionally, a large number of SDRF, NDRF, paramilitary, CP, TP, and PAC personnel are deployed here, alongside recruits, constables, and sub-inspector under-trainees who have come for their practical module. Haridwar Police is fully geared up for tomorrow's bath. From this evening until tomorrow morning, our focus will be on the ghats," SSP Bhullar told ANI.
Somvati Amavasya holds a special significance in Hinduism, wherein devotees perform bathing, charity, worship, and rituals for their ancestors.
It is believed that bathing in holy rivers and doing charity on this day leads to the attainment of merit.
Somvati Amavasya is dedicated to worshipping ancestors or forefathers and hence people are advised to use it to get rid of 'Pitru Dosha'.
On this day, people go for a holy dip in holy rivers and perform rituals like havan and yajna, charity, feeding animals, and reciting mantras.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Hats off to the police and administration for deploying NDRF and SDRF teams. With the second weekend of June and Somvati Amavasya coinciding, the crowd will be massive. My parents are going from Delhi - hope the traffic diversion works smoothly. Jai Ganga Mayya! 🙏
While I appreciate the security arrangements, I wish the administration would also focus on crowd management inside the water. Last year there were several incidents of people getting separated from families. Maybe better barricading and designated bathing zones? Just a thought.
So nice to see the practical training module being used - those sub-inspector under-trainees getting real-world experience during such an important religious event. Win-win for everyone! Also, good on the authorities for starting diversions early. 👏
Every year it's the same story - crores spent on security but basic amenities are missing. Water ATMs? Clean changing rooms? Lost child help desks? These are not too much to ask for when lakhs of people are gathering. Hope they've thought about this beyond just police deployment.
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