Devotees throng Chitrakoot to celebrate Diwali

Nearly 25 lakh devotees have so far taken a holy dip in Mandakini river during Diwali at Chitrakoot, a holy place associated with Lord Ram.
"Around 25 lakh devotees have taken a holy dip in the river in Chitrakoot since the evening on 'Dhanteras' (on Friday). Fifteen lakh more devotees are expected to bathe in next two days," Satna Collector Naresh Pal told PTI today.
According to mythology, Chitrakoot is the place where Lord Ram had spent a significant part of his 14-year exile.
Chitrakoot falls in the northern Vindhya range of mountains spread over the states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

"A large chunk of devotees took the dip on Diwali day (today). A sea of faithfuls flocked Mandakani river on the occasion. Devotees are camping in every nook and cranny of Chitrakoot," Pal said.
He said the devotees come mainly from Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

"On Diwali day, people also perform 'deep daan' in Mandakini river and do 'parikrama' (circumambulate) of sacred Kamadgiri mountain," the Collector said.
Over 2,000 Madhya Pradesh police personnel have been deployed at Chitrakoot, apart from government officials, a team of doctors and emergency workers, for ensuring safety of the pilgrims.
Uttar Pradesh administration has also deployed police personnel, doctors and authorities at the place.