More than one lakh people are estimated to have taken a ceremonial dip in the Ganga river in Haridwar on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on Wednesday.
The festival was celebrated with traditional enthusiasm though due to confusion regarding the date of the festival, many took the ceremonial dip in the Ganga river in Haridwar on Tuesday too.The cold winter morning and chilly water of the Ganga did not deter the enthusiasm of devotees who thronged Haridwar on the occasion. The process of bathing in the Ganga started early in the morning. The police had made necessary security arrangements in view of the crowds expected to arrive here.
In addition to the people, palanquins carrying various deities from the mountainous regions also arrived for a ceremonial dip in the Ganga at Har ki Paidi on the occasion.
A large crowd of devotees gathered to pay obeisance to the Dev Doli of goddess Dhari Devi which returned after a ceremonial dip in the Ganga.
The Makar Sankranti festival was different this year as it was celebrated across two days- Tuesday and Wednesday. Although the number of pilgrims coming to bathe in the Ganga on Tuesday was low, the number increased considerably on Wednesday. The police circle officer (City) Abhay Pratap Singh informed this correspondent that more than one lakh people arrived in Haridwar to take a holy dip in the Ganga on Wednesday.
After bathing, the devotees went to the temples and paid obeisance to the deities. After this, many donated money, food and other items to the poor and Brahmins. Many devotees were seen donating sesame seeds, jaggery, khichdi and blankets. Khichdi feasts free for all were also organised at various places on the occasion.