On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, Gorakshapeethadhishwar and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, adhering to the sacred traditions of the Nath Panth, offered the holy khichdi of faith to Shivavtar Mahayogi Gorakhnath at the Gorakhnath temple during the Brahma muhurta at 4 am on Tuesday.
On this auspicious occasion, he prayed to Baba Gorakhnath for the welfare of the people, a harmonious and prosperous life for all citizens and the nation’s well-being.
After the ritual offering, Chief Minister Yogi extended heartfelt greetings and best wishes for Makar Sankranti to all citizens, saints and devotees.
Addressing the media, he described Makar Sankranti as a festival dedicated to expressing gratitude to the Sun God, the creator and sustainer of life. He said, “This festival, deeply rooted in India’s Sanatan Dharma, is celebrated with immense devotion under various names nationwide.”
The chief minister highlighted the cultural diversity in the celebration of Makar Sankranti, saying that people in the North, South, East or West mark this day with unique traditions and rituals.
He added, “It is celebrated as Bihu in Assam, Lohri in Punjab, Pongal in the far South, Tilwa Sankranti in Bengal and Maharashtra, and Khichdi Sankranti in North India.”
He emphasised that Makar Sankranti is a profound expression of joy, unity and solidarity, embodying the spirit of togetherness and happiness within Indian society. He also shared that in Uttar Pradesh, the day is marked by holy dips in sacred rivers and lakes, acts of charity and other virtuous deeds.
Reflecting on his role, he said, “It is my great fortune to have the opportunity to offer khichdi at the feet of Baba Gorakhnath at this revered place of worship.”
The chief minister also took the opportunity to congratulate saints and devotees on the first Amrit Snan of the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh. He remarked that while faith-filled khichdi is being offered at the sacred site of Lord Gorakhnath’s penance, the grand Maha Kumbh of the century has commenced at the confluence of the holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati in Prayagraj. Chief Minister Yogi emphasised that festivals like Makar Sankranti convey the message of unity and inspire people to uphold social harmony and preserve our traditions.
Meanwhile, on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, the world-famous Khichdi Mela at Gorakhnath temple witnessed an extraordinary gesture by the Yogi government as flowers were showered on devotees from helicopters, creating a mesmerising spectacle.
As petals rained from the skies, the devotees’ chants grew louder, filling the atmosphere with devotion and reverence.
On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, over 15 lakh devotees offered khichdi to Baba Gorakhnath, seeking blessings for themselves and their loved ones
