Makar Sankranti: For a sacred plunge, devotees congregate at Prayagraj, Haridwar, and Gangasagar

Makar Sankranti: Major pilgrimage sites throughout the nation, such as Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, Haridwar in Uttarakhand, and Gangasagar in West Bengal, saw a huge influx of devotees on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti. Despite the bitter cold, people flocked to these locations to take the sacred ritual bath.

Devotees started coming to the Sangam in Prayagraj early on Wednesday morning. On one of the most important bathing days of the Hindu calendar, large throngs of people of all ages were seen taking the sacred plunge at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the legendary Saraswati.

“We have come from Ayodhya, and we took the holy bath today as well,” an Ayodhya devotee told IANS. The arrangements are excellent. Both the road infrastructure and the ghats’ arrangements are first-rate. At the ghats, the government has very effective and well-run systems.

“We have been coming here for the past 10–12 years, staying for a month each time,” said another devotee, expressing a very personal connection to the rite. It is impossible to adequately describe this magnificent and hallowed location of excellence.

A third devotee emphasized the joyous atmosphere by stating, “Had a wonderful experience.” It is the day of Makar Sankranti, the water is frigid, and everyone is happy. High spirits and a lot of energy are there.

In the meanwhile, a sea of devotees flocked to Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar to brave the bitter cold and take the sacred plunge in the Ganga. As pilgrims commemorated the holy occasion, chanting and fervent devotion filled the ghats.

We used to carry the Kanwar here in secret at one point, occasionally via Uttarkashi and other ways, according to a devotee in Haridwar. We are glad that we may move freely and fearlessly now.

“This is a very sacred, holy bath,” said another devotee. It is regarded as very pure and only occurs once per year.

Following the long-standing custom connected to Makar Sankranti, hundreds of devotees flocked to Gangasagar, West Bengal, to take the sacred plunge at the meeting point of the Ganga and the Bay of Bengal.

As the country’s festivities proceeded without incident, authorities in every area maintained a high level of alertness, guaranteeing efficient crowd control, security, and medical services.