Varanasi/ Allahabad, Feb 21: Scores of devotes took a dip in the holy waters of River Ganges here today on the occasion of 'Magh Purnima'.

This is the fifth and last holy dip that devotees undertake during the month of 'Magh' to wash their sins.

"According to the Hindu traditions, taking a holy dip on the last day of this 'Magh' month is considered auspicious. The holy dip washes off all the sins," said Sunita, a devotee.

The day coincided with the partial lunar eclipse.

The eclipse was visible in the country only partially in some parts during the early hours of the morning around 6.05 a. m. when the moon enters penumbra phase.

The eclipse lasting for 51 minutes ended at 11.47 a. m.

Devotees swarmed at the Ganges River to take a dip on the occasion of the eclipse.

Hindus believe a dip in the holy waters after the eclipse saves one from the wrath of evil forces and washes away the 'pollution' caused by the eclipse.

In Allahabad also, devotees thronged the river to take a holy dip.

"It is the day of lunar eclipse today and any bad omen is washed away by taking the holy dip in River Ganga," said Ram Behari Mishra, a priest.

Temples are generally closed during the day in view of the eclipse, which is considered inauspicious.

According to officials, the next total lunar eclipse can be observed only in December 2010. (ANI)