Varanasi: Devotees take early morning dip in Ganges on Kartik Purnima

According to an official statement from the Chief Minister's office, "sacred land of the Ganga River, Yamuna River, the Char Dham, Adi Kailash and several revered Shakti Peeths, Uttarakhand has long been a center of faith for Sanatan followers across the world. In this context, the state government is making efforts to promote Uttarakhand as a major hub for religious and spiritual tourism and pilgrimage, which is also expected to boost economic activities in the state."

Hariom Vashishth from Rohtak said he had arrived a day earlier and completed the ritual bath before the eclipse began. He explained that a fast is observed during the sutak period, during which devotees refrain from drinking water, eating food, or performing any rituals. He added that the eclipse is scheduled from 3:20 pm to 6:47 pm, while the sutak period begins nine hours prior, leading to the closure of temple doors.

Kalkaji Peethadheeshwar Mahant Surendranath Avadhut on Monday said that Holika Dahan will be observed on March 3, following the conclusion of the lunar eclipse.

Varanasi Municipal Corporation on Sunday set a new Guinness World Record after planting more than 2.5 lakh saplings in less than one hour, a press release said.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust, Vishwa Bhushan Mishra, said, "The tradition of Rangbhari Ekadashi is very ancient in Kashi...This tradition is followed in Kashi Vishwanath Dham.