Monday, 23 December 2024
Monday, 23 December 2024
A large number of devotees gathered at the bank of river Damodar at Mohalbani ghat in Dhanbad to offer prayers and take the holy dip on the occasion ‘Kartik Purnima’ - a full-moon day on the Hindu month of Kartik.
Similar scenes were observed at the banks of other rivers across the district which included Lilori Mandir Ghat of Katri river in Katras and Barakar river in Maithon and Chirkunda.
A large number of people every year congregate on the river bank to take the holy dip in the river as per traditions to get rid of sins and offer prayers to Sun God seeking his blessing for the well being of themselves and their family members.
Kirtan (group singing of devotional songs) programs were organised in the temples situated on the bank of the rivers like Shiv Mandir on the bank of river Damodar in Mohalbani and also at the historic Lilori Mandir ghat on the bank of river Katri in Katras. Prasad in the form of khichdi and kheer was also distributed.
Though the rush at all the river banks were almost half compared to last year, many of those who thronged to river ghats observed the Covid-19 norms and were sporting masks while a large number of others flouted the norms.
Talking to media, Sheila Devi, a devotee who took the holy dip in the river Katri said, “The ritual of taking holy dip in the river on Kartik Purnima is a must for us who observed Chhath. Besides seeking blessings for the well being of ourselves and our family members, we prayed to the Sun God to end the pandemic as well.”
Echoing sentiments, Sintu Chakraborty, a priest of Lilori Mandir situated on the bank of river Katri said, “The rush was relatively less this year compared to last year but the enthusiasm among the devotees was no less in any respect.”
