Hundreds of thousands of devotees gathered in Haridwar on Somvati Amavasya to take a holy dip in the Ganga. Authorities enforced extensive security and crowd-management measures as pilgrims performed rituals, prayers and ancestor offerings amid deep religious fervour and peaceful celebrations
The first shahi snan was held on March 11 on the occasion of Mahashivratri, while the second is being held today and on April 14, the third shahi snan will be taken by the 13 akhadas.