All posts tagged: Devotees

Police beef up security as devotees flock to Grishneshwar Temple in Maharashtra

Police beef up security as devotees flock to Grishneshwar Temple in Maharashtra

Published by Webster

Thousands of devotees thronged the famous Grishneshwar Temple in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar of Maharashtra on Sunday to offer prayers on the occasion of Mahashivratri 2026. The temple, located in Ellora, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is regarded as the 12th Jyotirlinga in the country. Devotees began arriving early in the day, with many standing in long queues for darshan. Amid heavy police deployment, the district rural police have enforced strict security measures to ensure smooth crowd management. A total of 450 personnel have been deployed in and around the temple premises. This includes 32 officers, 250 police personnel and 175 home guards, officials said, reported the PTI. They said that it is expected that nearly four lakh devotees to visit the temple for Mahashivratri celebrations till Monday morning. A senior official said the temple will remain open for devotees throughout the night to allow continuous worship. To avoid congestion near the shrine, parking arrangements have been made at least one kilometre away from the temple this year. Authorities have urged visitors to follow instructions and …

Flowers Showered On Devotees Taking Dip At Prayagraj’s Sangam On Mauni Amavasya | Video | India News

Flowers Showered On Devotees Taking Dip At Prayagraj’s Sangam On Mauni Amavasya | Video | India News

Published by Webster

Last Updated:January 18, 2026, 14:51 IST Amid dense fog and spine chilling weather, devotees began to gather at the Ganga and Sangam ghats from midnight. Flower petals were showered on the devotees who gathered at the Sangam for the ‘snaan’ on Mauni Amavasya. (Photo: ANI) More than 3.15 crore devotees took a holy dip in the Ganga and at the Sangam by 12 pm on Sunday on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya. Flower petals were showered on the devotees who gathered at the Sangam in Prayagraj for the ‘snaan’ on this sacred occasion. Amid dense fog and spine chilling weather, devotees began to gather at the Ganga and Sangam ghats from midnight. Visuals captured a helicopter showering flower petals over the large crowd of devotees at the ghat during the Magh Mela. Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended his greetings on Mauni Amavasya, wishing for “new energy, enthusiasm, and resolve.” In a post on X, he welcomed the devotees arriving at Sangam for the holy dip and expressed his heartfelt wishes to all …

1.3 crore devotees take holy dip on Mauni Amavasya morning at Sangam in Uttar Pradesh

1.3 crore devotees take holy dip on Mauni Amavasya morning at Sangam in Uttar Pradesh

Published by Parlour News

People arrive at the Sangam on a cold and foggy winter morning, ahead of ‘Mauni Amavasya’, during the ongoing ‘Magh Mela’ festival, in Prayagraj, on January 17, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI More than 1.3 crore devotees took a holy dip in the Ganga and at the Sangam by 8 a.m. on Sunday (January 18, 2026) on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, the main bathing festival of the ongoing Magh Mela here, officials said. A senior mela administration official said devotees began arriving at the Ganga and Sangam ghats from midnight, braving dense fog, and continued to stream in from all directions through the early morning hours. Earlier, about 1.03 crore devotees had taken a dip on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, while nearly 85 lakh people bathed in the Ganga and Sangam on Ekadashi. In Frames: Prayerful in Prayagraj Sacred spot: Devotees take a dip at the Triveni Sangam Seeking salvation: Women offering prayers at the Magh Mela. Sheltering devotees: Tents set up for pilgrims visiting the ongoing Magh mela 2026, in Prayagaraj Chanelling …

Idukki turns a vantage for devotees to witness Makarajyoti

Idukki turns a vantage for devotees to witness Makarajyoti

Published by Parlour News

Devotees witnessing Makarajyoti from Pullumedu near Vandiperiyar in Idukki on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Thousands of devotees gathered at vantage points, including Pullumedu, Panchalimedu, and Parunthumpara, on Wednesday to witness the sacred Makarajyoti as part of the Makaravilakku festivities. According to official figures, 9,217 pilgrims viewed the Makarajyoti from Pullumedu, while Parunthumpara and Panchalimedu recorded turnouts of 1,500 and 1,250 devotees, respectively. The attendance at Pullumedu marked a significant increase compared to previous years, rising from 6,446 pilgrims in 2024 and 6,425 in 2025. The district administration had put in place extensive arrangements to ensure the safety and convenience of devotees. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operated 60 special services between Kumily and Kozhikkanam to facilitate transportation to Pullumedu. More than 1,500 police personnel were deployed across all major viewing points for crowd management and security. The Revenue department had installed lighting along the 14-kilometre Pullumedu–Kozhikkanam stretch, while Fire and Rescue Services personnel were stationed at six locations, including Pullumedu, Sathram, Vandiperiyar, Panchalimedu, and Parunthumpara. Ambulance services, medical facilities, and drinking …

Magh Mela 2026: New Tent Colony In Place For Devotees — Cost, How To Book, Tips | Cities News

Magh Mela 2026: New Tent Colony In Place For Devotees — Cost, How To Book, Tips | Cities News

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Last Updated:January 14, 2026, 18:30 IST The state-of-the-art tent colony has been developed by the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (UPSTDC). A total of 50 tents have been constructed.(Photo Credit: X) The Magh Mela is underway in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The religious event attracts thousands of devotees from all over the country. The 45-day event will last till February 15 and is expected to attract around 15 crore devotees. The event has already attracted buzz for its state-of-the-art tent colony developed by the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (UPSTDC). These tents, constructed as part of the Sangam Tent Colony, will offer visitors a premium experience and also manage the heavy flow of tourists. These tents have been constructed at Sector 7, UPSTDC Tent City, VIP Arail Ghat. As per reports, Yagyashalas have been built within the tent colony, and bhajan-kirtan and cultural performances will take place regularly. A Kalagram has also been created to promote local crafts. Under the ‘One District One Product’ programme, stalls showcasing the traditional moonj craft, made by handweaving …

Magh Mela: Over nine lakh devotees take a dip in Sangam

Magh Mela: Over nine lakh devotees take a dip in Sangam

Published by Webster

More than nine lakh devotees took a dip in the Ganga and at the Sangam here on Wednesday morning as part of Makar Sankranti festivities, officials said.While many parts of the country are celebrating the harvest festival on Wednesday, Uttar Pradesh will celebrate Makar Sankranti on Thursday. The second major bathing festival of the ongoing Magh Mela, Makar Sankranti, is scheduled for Thursday. Superintendent of Police (Magh Mela) Neeraj Pandey said devotees flocked ghats in the early hours. “By 6 am, over nine lakh devotees had taken a dip in the Ganga and at the Sangam. The number of pilgrims is expected to rise to between one crore and 1.5 crore by Wednesday evening on Makar Sankranti,” Pandey said. In preparation for the large influx of devotees, over 10,000 police personnel have been deployed across the mela area to ensure the safety and smooth movement of traffic, he said. Officials said over 31 lakh devotees had taken a holy dip during the Paush Purnima bathing festival, while more than 28.95 lakh pilgrims participated in the …

Severe cold wave grips UP, devotees brave freezing Sangam waters at Magh Mela

Severe cold wave grips UP, devotees brave freezing Sangam waters at Magh Mela

Published by Webster

A severe cold wave continued to affect large parts of Uttar Pradesh and north India on Monday morning, with dense fog lowering visibility across several cities. Despite the freezing temperatures, thousands of devotees gathered at the Sangam in Prayagraj to take a holy dip during the ongoing Magh Mela, according to the news agency ANI.  In Agra, a thin veil of fog covered the Taj Mahal, reducing visibility at the Taj View Point area. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a maximum temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius in the city, with the minimum expected to fall to 7 degrees Celsius as the cold wave intensifies. Despite the extreme cold, devotees continued to arrive in large numbers at the Sangam in Prayagraj, undeterred by the plunging temperatures. Pilgrims took a holy dip in the early hours of the morning, as the spiritual fervour of the Magh Mela remained strong amid harsh winter conditions. The Magh Mela of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, which takes place at the divine Triveni Sangam—the confluence of the sacred rivers Ganga, …

Situation tense but under control after stone pelting on Om Shakti devotees| India News

Situation tense but under control after stone pelting on Om Shakti devotees| India News

Published by Parlour News

Bengaluru, The situation in Jagjeevan Ram Nagar in the City was tense but under control following the stone pelting by miscreants on the procession of Om Shakti devotees, police said on Monday. Situation tense but under control after stone pelting on Om Shakti devotees Two women were injured in the attack on the procession on Sunday night. After the incident, residents staged a demonstration at the JJ Nagar police station, demanding action against the culprits. An additional police force has been deployed at JJ Nagar, fearing retaliatory action by the aggrieved people on Monday. Senior police officers have camped in the locality and have started an investigation to trace the culprits involved in the crime. Based on a complaint by Shashikumar N, a resident of VS Garden, police registered a First Information Report on late Sunday night. According to Shashikumar, the incident occurred between around 8.15 pm and 9.00 pm, when devotees were taking out a procession in the area. The complainant stated that he has been participating in Om Shakti and Ayyappa Swamy worship …

Situation tense but under control after stone pelting on Om Shakti devotees| India News

Chants echo, saffron flags flutter as devotees brave cold to take holy dip in Sangam| India News

Published by Parlour News

Prayagraj , The Magh Mela in Prayagraj wore the look of a vast fair, with rows of tents, fluttering saffron flags, loudspeakers playing devotional music and devotees gathering in large number to take a dip in the icy cold waters of the Sangam on ‘Paush Purnima’ Magh Mela: Chants echo, saffron flags flutter as devotees brave cold to take holy dip in Sangam Sadhus wrapped in blankets, Kalpvasis settling into makeshift camps, and vendors selling religious items added to the vibrant scene, as police and volunteers maintained crowd movement across pontoon bridges and ghats. The Magh Mela began at the Sangam here on Saturday with lakhs of devotees converging on the riverbanks in the early hours to take a holy dip on the occasion of Paush Purnima. Chanting hymns and carrying small bundles of belongings, pilgrims were seen walking in groups towards the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati, braving the winter chill with deep faith. From the break of dawn, a steady stream of devotees moved along temporary pathways laid across …

Hotel Booked, Money Gone: Rajasthan Man Dupes Karnataka Temple Devotees Online | India News

Hotel Booked, Money Gone: Rajasthan Man Dupes Karnataka Temple Devotees Online | India News

Published by Webster

Last Updated:December 22, 2025, 11:59 IST Given that the suspect was operating from another state, Kollur police coordinated with local police teams in Rajasthan. After verifying his identity, he was arrested. Officers traced payment trails, technical data, and linked accounts, eventually tracking the accused to Rajasthan. (Image: Instagram) Faith often travels faster than caution. That gap was exploited in a cybercrime case involving the revered Kollur Mookambika Temple, one of Karnataka’s most important pilgrimage centres. Police in Udupi district have arrested a man accused of running an online fraud by creating a fake website that closely mimicked official temple booking portals, cheating unsuspecting devotees of their money. The accused has been identified as Nasir Hussain, a resident of Rajasthan. Police say he deliberately targeted pilgrims planning visits to Kollur, a temple that attracts lakhs of devotees every year from Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and several other states. Why Kollur Became a Target Kollur Mookambika Temple holds immense religious significance and is also among the wealthiest temples in the state. Demand for accommodation around the temple …