BHOPAL: About 11,000 litres of milk were poured into the Narmada River at the conclusion of a ‘Mahayajna’, which was organised at Satdev village of Madhya Pradesh’s Sehore district on Wednesday. According to the organisers, the ritualistic offering of milk was made in the hope and prayer for clean river water and the well-being of pilgrims undertaking the Narmada Parikrama. The rituals were also for the happiness and prosperity of people inhabiting areas along the riverbank. The event had been underway for 21 days, during which villagers and devotees gathered daily to take part in prayers and rituals.On the final day, several tankers carrying milk were brought to the riverbank in the early hours, where arrangements had been made for the closing rituals. Thousands of litres of cow milk were poured into the river to a chorus of chants from priests, seers and a large gathering of devotees. In a viral video from the event, a man wearing a saffron was seen holding a tanker pipe dispensing a steady flow of milk into the Narmada waters. Scores from nearby villages as well as other districts flocked to the event as well as the concluding rituals. Many stood along the riverbank witnessing the ceremony unfold, while others participated in prayers and offerings. Organisers said the ritual was conducted as a symbolic gesture for public welfare, peace and prosperity, and to pray for the safety of pilgrims travelling along the Narmada. Local arrangements were made to manage the crowd and facilitate the rituals at the riverbank.
