Berhampur: Lakhs of devotees in southern districts,partcipated in auspecious`maha Baruni snana`at different rivers today.Devotees took a holy dip at the confluence of rivers Rushikulya and Badanadi near Aska in Ganjam district to observe Maha Baruni Snana . Braving the scorching sun, people from across the State congregated at the place called the ‘Sangam’,about 5 kms from Aska town.From wee hours devotees thronged the confluence to take holy bath which continued till evening.Besides,the devotees also put the ashes and bone fragments of their parents at the confluence and performed`Sradha`.The belief goes that a dip at the confluence on the occasion will free people of their sins, miseries and diseases. River Rushikulya, which originates from Rushimala mountain in Kandhamal district and meets the Bay of Bengal near Ganjam town,is considered sacred.To prevent any untoward incident,Aska police officials with massive police camped in the area.Since the water level of the river is low,the river beds were dug up at several places to fecilitate the devotees.Similar crowd took the holy dip at Bahuda river near Samasingisasan village in Digapahandi block and near Kanjiama and Barahi in Chikiti block ofGanjam district.Arrangements were also made for holy bath in Mahendratanaya river near Kerandi,Baghasala,Kamadhenu and Machamera in Gajapati district.
