KATHMANDU: Around 2.5 million Hindu devotees have visited Simhastha Mela, the month-long fair celebrated once in every 12 years in Godavari, Lalitpur. The religious fair began from August 18 and will last till September 17. According to Simhastha Mela Information Centre, nearly 2.5 million devotees, including Sadhus, Mahantas, have visited the mela so far for Godavari Mahasnan in the ponds and offer prayers to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the great holy bath taken during the mela cleanses the devotees of their sins. Organisers said tens of thousands of devotees have been attending the religious fair. The 12th day of the mela saw the largest footfall of more than 950,000 devotees. This year, organisers have made separate arrangements for male and female devotees to take the holy dip.