CHITWAN, Jan 15: Devotees in large numbers have congregated at Devghatdham near the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Trishuli rivers. Devghatdham is one of the major pilgrimage sites of the country.

The devotees have thronged at this site to take a holy dip at the river confluence on the occasion of the Maghe Sankranti festival. The Maghe Sankranti religious fair was initiated at the confluence by installing a long bamboo pole amidst religious ceremony here on Tuesday morning.

Chairman of Devghat Area Development Committee, Shiva Raj Poudel said a large number of devotees had observed a night vigil on Tuesday. There is a sea of people at Devghatdham since the morning today. Devotees from various places of the country as well as from India come here for observing the Maghe Sankranti. Arrangements have been made to facilitate the devotees to take holy bath and perform the rituals easily and smoothly, Poudel said.

Similarly, arrangements have been made for the vehicles coming to Devghatdham to come from Thimura, Ramnagar and Dasdhunga. On their return journey, the vehicles have to use the route through Aanptari.

The executive director of the Committee, Dhiran Babu Ghimire informed that the Armed Police Force personnel have been kept on stand-by for emergency rescue. Similarly, Nepal Army personnel have been stationed at Devghatdham for rescuing by boat. Besides this, volunteers and Nepal Scout are also mobilized to guide the devotees.

 
• Maghe-sakranti
 
• Devghat