On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, the enthusiasm for bathing in the Ganges River in Haridwar , Uttarakhand, remained high for the second day. A large crowd of devotees gathered at Har Ki Pauri from early morning . Despite the bitter cold and dense fog, there was no lack of faith in the people. Devotees arrived at the ghats in traditional attire and took a dip in the sacred Ganga to gain spiritual merit. The chants of ” Har Har Gange ” at the bathing ghat filled the entire atmosphere with devotion.
In view of the increasing number of devotees, the police and administration remained on full alert. Additional police forces were deployed at Har Ki Pauri and the surrounding ghats. Barricades were erected to control the crowds and ensure smooth bathing arrangements, while traffic was also regulated to ensure that devotees did not face any difficulties in reaching the ghats. The administration’s efforts were to ensure that there was no chaos or accidents during the bathing.
Meanwhile, the Makar Sankranti celebrations are in full swing in West Bengal . Devotees are flocking to Gangasagar in large numbers to take a holy dip. Along with the bathing, prayers, donations, and other religious rituals are also underway. Kanhaiya, a devotee from the Maner block of Patna district in Bihar, said that bathing in the Ganga on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti is a privilege. He added that sages and ancestors have believed that a pilgrimage should be undertaken at least once in a lifetime, and therefore, he is delighted to be here.
Many devotees who came to Haridwar for the bath praised the arrangements and decorations at the ghats. Rajkumar Thakur, who visited Haridwar for the first time, said that the atmosphere at the ghats was very pleasant and that the bath left the mind feeling calm and light. After bathing, many devotees sat on the banks of the ghats and participated in Ganga Aarti , bhajan-sankirtan, and religious programs with family and friends.
Overall, on Makar Sankranti, a huge wave of devotion has emerged from Haridwar to Gangasagar, and this festival is being celebrated with devotion amid the vigilant arrangements of the administration.