Guwahati, March 27 -- Thousands of devotees flocked to Kapilashram in Siddheswar, Hailakandi district, Assam,on Thursday to participate in the annual Baruni Snan.

The holy ritual, often referred to as the "Mini Kumbh" of South Assam's Barak Valley, involves taking a sacred dip in the Barak River, believed to purify the soul and wash away sins.

The event coincided with Madhukrishna Trayodashi and Satabhisha Nakshatra, marking the start of the fortnight-long Baruni Mela. Sujan Bhattacharjee, secretary of the Baruni Mela Committee, stated that large crowds are expected to continue throughout the day. "Bathing in the river during this time is considered spiritually significant, similar to the Maha Kumbh," he said.

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