Ardhkumbh mela begins in Haridwar

DEHRADUN: The holy town of Haridwar today braced itself to the start of a four-month-long Kumbh mela, touted as the largest religious congregation on earth, with around 7 crore people set to take the holy bath during the mela.

The first bath of the great religious congregation is slated for January 14 on the occasion of Makara Sankranti.

DIG G S Martholia said that a Ganga 'aarti' (prayers) was held in Brahmakund at Har-ki-Pausi today for the success of the Kumbh mela.

The holy bath will take place till April. The last bath will be on April 22.

Martholia added that around 5 to 7 crore people from across the world are expected to attend the holy bath.