People swarm Ganga banks for a holy dip

Two people died and four were injured when thousands swarmed the banks of the Ganga here Wednesday morning to take a dip in the holy water, believed to be further blessed by the total solar eclipse.

'One person drowned and the other got crushed in a stampede. The names of the dead are yet to be determined,' said P.C. Meena, deputy inspector general of police (DIG).

Just like the Ganga was overwhelmed with people, the Saryu river in Ayodhya also attracted a crowd on this rare occasion.

While a dip in the waters of these rivers is traditionally believed to rid a person of his sins, Hindus believe that a solar eclipse showers rays that make the water even holier.

Reports said that many people preferred to remain indoors during the course of the eclipse, which they chose to watch on TV. Even those who had ventured out during the early hours avoided looking at the partially hidden sun as it could harm their eyes.

Varanasi, which witnessed the full eclipse was lucky to also get a glimpse of the diamond ring - a spectacle that was perhaps not seen at most other places across the country.

The eclipse in Varanasi began at 5.53 a.m. and continued for nearly 40 minutes. The rare 'diamond ring' spectacle became visible at 6.25 a.m. 'Even though it was brief, the sight was heavenly and I will remember it all my life', said Rajesh Misra, a university student.

And sure enough the ancient Hindu city, which is known as the city of Lord Shiva, was in full form. Apart from the saffron clad sadhus, people in large numbers went about singing 'bhajans' and walking down the streets of Varanasi.

If there was any other place that witnessed as close a spectacle as Varanasi, it was Allahabad, where the 'Sangam' - the holy confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Sarawasti - drew massive crowds.

'Sangam is already a blessed spot and this rare solar eclipse has made it even more holy for a dip today', Swami Amit Sharma, a well known saint told IANS over the phone from Allahabad.