Hindus take holy dip in River Yamuna on Ekadashi

Thousands of Hindus took a holy dip in the River Yamuna here on the occasion of Ekadashi, the eleventh day of the Kartik month as per Hindu almanac, as part of the ongoing Kartik Puja festival here.

Allahabad, Nov.4 : Thousands of Hindus took a holy dip in the River Yamuna here on the occasion of Ekadashi, the eleventh day of the Kartik month as per Hindu almanac, as part of the ongoing Kartik Puja festival here.

It is believed to be one of the most auspicious days of the month- long festival devoted to Yamraj, the Lord of death.

Kartik festival had commenced on the full moon day of the Kartik month (October 26 as per the commonly used Gregorian calendar).

Devotees, mainly women, lit earthen lamps, chanted hymns and worshipped River Yamuna and Lord Yamraj. The two are described to be siblings in Hindu mythology. It is believed worshipping the river Yamuna will please the Lord of death who, in return, will bless the life partners of the worshippers.

"River Yamuna and God of death Yamraj share a closely bonded relationship. Brother Yamraj likes his sister Yamuna a lot. It pleases Yamraj when devotees take holy dip in the river Yamuna, offer prayers and light lamps during the Kartik month. He takes away all fears from the minds of devotees offering prayers here," said Pandit Ramnaresh Tripathi, a seer.

This festival is also viewed as a symbol of love between husbands and wives. The latter pray on this day to please Yamraj for the longevity of their husbands' life and seek a wish to reunite them as husband and wife, if reborn.

Devotees also worship the reincarnation Lord Krishna and Tulsi. By Virendra Pathak

ANI