It is believed that a ritualistic holy dip in Yamuna on Bhai Dooj, 3rd day after Diwali, liberates one from the cycle of death and birth and attains salvation. "This was a boon conferred on Yamuna by her brother Yam Raj," says Pt. Kamal Chaubey.

The ghats in Mathura saw a big influx of pilgrims Friday morning. "People performed puja of Yamuna and after the bath, offered clothes and gifts to their sisters," said Ramesh Bhai, who had come from Gujarat.  For the Vaishnavites, Yamuna has a special status, and many of us were not too pleased with the quality of water in the river.

In Agra, the devouts had a tough time taking a holy dip as garbage flowing down and pollution of Yamuna water left a stink all around. "The Hathi Ghat was a total mess. In a few days, thousands will congregate here again for the Chat puja. Wonder what all these Yamuna Action Plans have achieved," wondered Shravan Kumar Singh of the Braj Mandal Heritage Conservation Society.

Meanwhile, people continued to organize "Annakoots," community feasts, after the Goverdhan Puja. Each year the size of Goverdhan made of cow-dung is increasing, but the real Goverdhan Parbat, is an ecological mess with land grabbers and colonizers disfiguring the serene environment of the holy hill. "The 40 kilometer parikrama around the hill, is now a real touch challenge. Till some years ago, it was so quiet and tranquil with birds and nature transporting you to Golok-Dham. Now the degeneration of the hill is complete," laments Hari Mohan Shrotriya, a regular visitor to the Goverdhan town.

Tons of cow dung had been used to make Goverdhan at Sanatan Dharm Mandir in Sadar area, for a 30 feet tall replica, in Kamlanagar artists worked on a 20-foot tall Goverdhan. The Goverdhans from different parts of the city will Friday reach Yamuna for their final disposal into the river.

In Goverdhan, 20 kms from Mathura, the holy hill believed to have been lifted by little Sri Krishna on his finger to protect villagers from the wrath of Indra Dev, a special darshan of 56 Bhog, called Kunwara was held, re-enacting the ritual started by Sri Krishna. Annakoots are usually held on the first day of the fortnight of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Kartik, considered auspicious by the devouts.

The worship of Goverdhan is believed to have an ecological symbolism as Goverdhan means increase in the cattle wealth and protection of grazing lands. Pt. Mahesh Sharma explains "Annakoot meaning community eating promoted good neighborly relations and brought people together in the mohallas of Agra. The puja is done collectively unlike other festivals when individuals perform the puja in their homes. The food a very wide variety is collected and shared."

 The five-day festival season starting with Dhan Teras ends today. On November 6, the Devotthan Ekadashi, Hindu gods and goddesses will wake up from their four month long slumber, signalling the start of the auspicious phase for conducting marriages and other activities. In the Braj mandal, Devotthan is described as the second Diwali. Market reports suggest a record number of marriages on the very first day of the marriage season.