Pilgrims to walk extra miles for Ganga dip on Kartik Purnima

AMROHA: As Kartik Purnima approaches, lakhs of devotees will converge at the famous Tigri Ghat in Amroha for a holy dip in Ganga on November 27. However, there will be an additional challenge waiting for them, as they will have to trek at least four kilometres extra to reach the holy river.

"Each year, lakhs of devotees assemble on the banks of the Ganga, pitching their tents on the sandy riverbed, and remain here for a week during the eight-day-long fair. However, this year, the Ganga has meandered away, shifting towards Hapur." said Himanshu Sharma, a devotee from Gajraula.

"Devotees will now need to cover a four-kilometre distance to reach the Ganga's bank for the holy dip. It will undoubtedly be a challenging task to traverse the riverbed," he added.

According to officials, the main stream of Ganga has meandered away within the floodplain and is flowing at a considerable distance from the place where the fair is held every year. Amroha's Apar Mukhya Adhikari Jitender Tomar said, "It is true that Ganga's course has shifted at least four kilometres away from the Tigri fair location. Devotees will face some challenges while travelling to the ghat."

"However, the altered course will provide more space for the Ganga snan fair, set to run from November 20 to November 28, with the main ritual occurring on November 27," Tomar added. The Ganga enters Uttar Pradesh from the Balawali area of Bijnor district, and several fairs, including Vidurkuti in Bijnor, Tigri in Amroha, and Garhmukteshwar in Hapur, are renowned for their spiritual significance.

These gatherings not only hold historical and religious importance but also significantly boost the economies of small traders and artisans.