Haridwar: Lakhs of devotees took holi dip in Ganga

Lakhs of pilgrims thronged the holy city of Haridwar to take a dip in the Ganga on the occasion of second shahi snan (royal bath) on Monday as part of the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela.

Popular ghats Har-ki-Pauri and Bramhakund opened for the public around 10 am. Various akharas took out their processions starting around 9.30 am and reached Har-ki-Pauri and Bramhakund around 11 am.

Niranjani akhara took the first dip followed by the Juna akhara.

The second shahi snan holds special relevance for pilgrims as it falls on the auspicious somvati amavashya.

Mythology holds that this cosmic combination is a rarity as it has arrived after 760 years. Spiritual gurus marked the day as amratva Kumbh.