Somvati Amavasya 2021: Devotees Congregate At Haridwar Mahakumbh Amid Covid, Know Significance & Puja Timings

The Inspector-general warned that the enforcement of social distancing at ghats may lead to a stampede-like situation. However, people have gathered at the ghats to observe this auspicious day.

Image: ANI

Today is considered the most auspicious day in the Hindu calendar with people observing 'Somvati Amavasya', which occurs once or twice a year. The ‘Amavasya’ tithi is always an important occasion, and when the Amavasya falls on a Monday, it is known as ‘Somvati Amavasya.’ With the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Hardiwar, lakhs of devotees have congregated at Har Ki Pauri Ghat, since daybreak, for the second royal bath of the Kumbh early on Monday.

Watch the video as devotees take holy dip on the second day of royal bath

Even though the Covid-19 situation has turned grim with single-day cases mounting, devotees have been permitted at the ghats till 7 am and after that, the area has been reserved for the akharas, according to the police.

The Inspector-general warned that the enforcement of social distancing at ghats may lead to a stampede-like situation, as per ANI.

"We are continuously appealing to people to follow Covid appropriate behavior. But due to the huge crowd, it is practically not possible to issue challans today. It is very difficult to ensure social distancing at ghats,” said Inspector-general of Police, Haridwar Kumbh Mela, Sanjay Gunjyal, according to news agency ANI.  “A stampede-like situation may arise if we would try to enforce social distancing at ghats so we are unable to enforce social distancing here,” said Gunjyal.

What’s the ritual?

Somvati Amavasya has commenced on Sunday, April 11, and will conclude on Monday, April 12.  Devotees get up early during the Brahma Mujhurat and take a dip in the holy river. They offer prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and observe a day-long fast for a peaceful life.  People also offer water to Sun God and do Jalaabhishek at Shiviling. Devotees also offer prayers to ancestors and make donations to the poor and needy as an important ritual on this day.

Somvati Amavasya 2021 Timings

Amavasya Date: April 11 and April 12

Amavasya Shubh Tithi Begin: 6:03 am, April 11

Mavasya Shubh Thithi Ends: 9:00 am, April 12

What’s the significance of Somvati Amavasya?

This Amavasya has a special significance and believed that Budh (Mercury), Shukra (Venus, Chandra (Moon), Guru/Brhaspati (Jupiter) and Shani (Saturn) stay put in their respective zodiac signs. As per the Hindu belief, if the fast is observed by an unmarried girl or woman and worships Lord Shiva then, they are blessed with a suitable man. Also, couples longing for a child are also advised to observe fast on this day.