Nasik: Thousands of sadhus began the third 'Shahi Snan' in Ramkund (a sacred pond) in Nasik exactly at 8.00 am (IST) on the auspicious day of Vrishi Panchami, amidst tight police 'bandobast' following the death of 35 persons during the second royal bath on August 27.

Sadhus of various 'akhadas' of 'Tvaishnava' sect reached Ramkund in grand procession complete with silver palanquins. Some sadhus carried carved silver maces and spears with silver rods. Others held golden idols of their deities and flags.

About fifteen lakh pilgrims, from different parts of the country, are expected to take a holy dip on September 1.

District administration has made elaborate arrangements for the last "Shahi Snan" at Nasik, while the final bath at Trimbakeshwar would be held on September 7.

Ramkund will be closed for common pilgrims from 5.00 am to 12.00 pm and both entry and exit route for pilgrims have been re-planned. Common pilgrims will also be restricted from entering the Shahi Snan route and allowed entry only after 12 pm.

About 9,000 police personnel including three companies of state reserve police force have been deployed. Collector Mahesh Zagde and police commissioner P T Lohar were closely monitoring the situation.

PTI