Allahabad/Haridwar, Feb 7 : Millions of devotees took a holy dip in the Ganga here today on the occasion of 'Mauni Amavasya'.

Braving cold, millions of devotees from across the country gathered well before dawn to wash away their sins and attain salvation.

'Mauni Amavasya' is considered special in Hindu scriptures as the sun and the moon are in the Tropic of Capricorn, a rare configuration. Hindus believe that on this occasion water everywhere becomes holy.

The ritual, observed on the last night of the dark fortnight of 'Magh' month in the Hindu lunar calendar, began at midnight with the faithful keeping a 48 hours silence prior to the auspicious hour.

"On this day, the people observe silence and take a holy dip and make religious offerings and by doing so one can earn religious merit," said Swami Vishwanand Saraswati.

Hundreds of Naga Sadhus or the naked saints were amongst those saints who took bath at the Sangam.

In Haridwar, besides taking the holy dip, devotees make offerings and perform various rituals to please the gods.

"On this day, by taking dip one attains salvation. By making religious offerings, one gets absolved of his sins," said Roshan Lal, a devotee.

ANI