Allahabad, 16 January: A relatively chilled January 16 morning welcomed scores of devotees on the ghats of Sangam at Allahabad for a holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya. This is one of the biggest public bathing day and largest human gatherings in the country. It is a belief that the holy bath washes away all the sins of the year. Nearly 1.5 crore people took a dip in the sacred place.

According to the Hindu mythology, it is believed on Mauni Amavasya, the water of River Ganges turns into amrita (nectar), which attracts a massive number of devotees to take the holy bath.The celebration takes place on the ghats of Triveni Sangam where rivers Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati flow together. Makar Sankranti, Lohri, Bihu, Uttarayan and Pongal: India Celebrated Its First Festival With Fun and Joy

The day marks the second and the biggest Shahi Snan (royal bath) of this big event with many akharas taking bath at the Sangam. Religious discourses and services are held daily, and it is said that the worshippers eat only one meal a day or restrict their diet to fruit or milk. Many devotees also observe a complete silence on this day as the event name suggests. Taking bath and following rituals in one of the sacred months is considered a purifying act.

The 55-day event that started with the Makar Sankranti on January 14 is estimated to draw millions of devotees in attendance in the coming days. The third and final royal bath is to be held on Basant Panchami to be held in the month of February. Every year the gathering wears a festive look with devotees performing rituals. The atmosphere is eccentric with bhajans and non-stop announcements regarding various happenings at the place.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 16, 2018 02:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).