Snehesh Alex Philip Haridwar, Jan 15 (PTI) The otherwise bustling Maha Kumbh Mela here has come almost to a complete standstill today due to the solar eclipse with doors of temples shut and the devout taking to meditation to ward off what they believe to be an inauspicious period. The ghats, which witnessed several thousands of people taking a holy dip on the occasion of ”Makar Sankranti” yesterday, are now playing host to people performing ”havans” or those meditating.

The enchanting spell of vedic hymns, bells and conch shells, which reverberated throughout the day on Thursday, when the Maha Kumbh began, can no longer be heard. The only sound that seems to echo at the main bathing ghat here ”Hari Ki Pauri” is the cold water of Ganga flowing strong and hitting against the stone steps.

The green coloured iron railing and chains with ”OM” signage above them, which provided the support to the devotees yesterday from being washed away from by the strong current, continues to rattle as they fight the mighty river.

PTI

At least seven pilgrims were killed and 12 others injured in a stampede in West Bengal’s Gangasagar island. People had gathered at the fair, organised on the occasion of Makar Sankranti (Pongal in South India).

The dead included six women and a child. The injured were immediately rushed to the hospital. Some of them are said to be in a critical condition.

The incident occured when a large number of pilgrims tried to board a boat at Kakdwip. They pushed each other and fell on the way, resulting in a stampede. At least 400,000 pilgrims had gathered to take a holy dip in Gangasagar island.