QUIET ‘DOOMSDAY’

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29739, 5 February 1962, Page 13

QUIET ‘DOOMSDAY’

(N.Z Press Association-Copyright)

NEW DELHI. Feb 3 Streets In New Delhi, normally packed on a Saturday, were deserted today as the sun set—a few hours after the “doomsday” conjunction of eight planets In the Honse of Capricorn began.

There was an air of panic •hrcughout the canital. the British United Press reoorted. Signs of the “doomsday" scare in the city included the closing of shops three hours earlier than usual, and many cinemas cancelled their last houses Wives. apprehensive of catastrophes predicted by Hindu astrologers in the next few days, cautioned their

husbands to return home early. Rail and air traffic thinned out towards the evening and public buses were practically empty Opportunists have been selling talismen at prices ranging from 25s to £5. Nehru’s Appeal

In Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh State, the Prime Minister (Mr Nehru) ridiculed the pro,phets of doom. He appealed to the people not to accept anything blindly that had not been proved scientifically Undaunted by a warning from an astrologer and former Chief Minirter of Uttar Pradesh State. Dr Sampuranand. that he should be careful of his life during this period, Mr Nehru refused to

cancel visits connected with his election campaign.

Millions of frightened Indians bathed in sacred rivers and prayed to the goddess of destruction and fire But the first day of “doomsday weekend” passed wit! nothing more spectacular than the bright red sun setting behind the Indian Ocean. United Press Internationa] said To hordes of terrified starbelievers. however, today’s peace was only a heavenly sign of the horrors to come tomorrow Faithful throughout India, and in many parts of Nepal and Burma, huddled in their homes, rallied around sacrificial fires or journeyed tc sacred rivers to get in an icy. last-minute swim to purify them for the end. <