KANPUR: Hundreds of devotees took a dip in holy river Ganga on the occasion of 'Nirjala Ekadashi' here on Wednesday. People also distributed water, sweets and fruits to the poor and needy as a mark of charity on the occasion. It's important to mention here that this year, 'Nirjala Ekadashi' will be a two day affair. A large number of people will also celebrate this day on Thursday due to similar the similar 'Tithi' as per the Hindu calendar.

According to Hindu Mythology, 'Nirjala Ekadashi' is revered as the most important and significant Ekadashis out of all twenty-four Ekadashis in a year. On Nirjala Ekadashi, as is obvious from the term nirjala, people fast without water and food throughout the day. "Nirjala Ekadashi fast is the toughest among all Ekadashi fasting due to strict fasting rules. Devotees abstain not only from food but also from water while observing Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat," said Ganga Devi, an elderly lady, a resident of K-block.

Talking about the importance and benefits of this day, Atul Mishra, an astrologer, said that the biggest benefits of this 'Ekadashi' is that the devotees who are unable to observer all twenty four Ekadashi fasting in a year should observe Nirjala Ekadashi as fasting on Nirjala Ekadashi brings benefits of all twenty four Ekadashi fasting in a year.

A large number of devotees including women and children took holy dip in Ganga on the auspicious occasion. Prominent ghats including Sarsaiyya, Massaccre and Dordhi Ghat witnessed a number of devotees who offered donations on the occasion.

Special prayers were performed at various Vishnu temples on the day. People distributed fruits and water to the commuters and poor. It is considered that charity done on this day brings happiness to the families. Donating water is considered as the most auspicious for the day.