Haridwar: On the occasion of Buddha Purnima, devotees took a holy dip in the Ganga in the holy city of Haridwar. Devotees have come from far and wide to take a bath. A large number of devotees are reaching Har Ki Pauri since this morning to take a bath in the Ganga and are worshipping after taking a bath in the Ganga.
Crowd of devotees gathered for Ganga bath: It is believed that Buddha was born on this day and Buddha attained enlightenment on this day. Buddha also attained Mahanirvana today. According to mythological belief, on this day Lord Krishna told Sudama the importance of keeping Vinayak fast and God took the Narasimha avatar. Bathing in the Ganga and worshipping on Buddha Purnima gives the benefit of immense virtue. At the same time, strict security arrangements have been made by the police for Ganga bath in Haridwar. Pandit Manoj Tripathi said that today is the day of Buddha avatar, the ninth avatar of Lord Narayan.
Festival is special for Hindus and Buddhists: Buddha was born on the full moon day of Shukla Paksha in Vaishakh and today he attained enlightenment and on this day his body was complete. For this reason, the festival is also special for the people who believe in Buddhism. On this day, bathing in the Ganges is said to be of the utmost importance and by doing charity, every wish is fulfilled. On this day, just by bathing, one gets rid of many sins. Devotees who have come to Haridwar to bathe in the Ganges say that bathing in the Ganges is important anyway, but bathing on Buddha Purnima gives the benefit of immense virtue. Bathing in the Ganges removes sufferings and destroys sins.
