Kurukshetra News: Two-day Vaman Dwadeshi Mela begins today

Thousands of devotees throng Kurukshetra for holy dip in sacred pools

Administration makes elaborate arrangements for smooth conduct of mela

Kurukshetra, July 26: The two-day Vaman Dwadeshi Mela commenced here today with thousands of devotees thronging the sacred pools for a holy dip.

The mela is held annually on the 12th day of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of the Hindu month of Ashwin. This year, the mela began on July 26 and will conclude on July 27.

According to legend, Lord Vishnu took the form of Vamana, a dwarf, to defeat the demon king Bali on this day. Devotees believe that taking a dip in the sacred pools on this day washes away their sins and brings good luck.

Elaborate arrangements have been made by the district administration for the smooth conduct of the mela. Over 5,000 police personnel have been deployed to ensure security and manage the crowd.

A large number of devotees from all over the country are expected to visit Kurukshetra during the mela. The district administration has set up a number of camps to provide food, water, and medical facilities to the devotees.

The mela is also a major pilgrimage centre for Jains. Jains believe that the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanath, attained nirvana on this day.

A number of cultural and religious programmes are being organised during the mela. These include bhajans, kirtans, and traditional folk performances.