Sea of devotees gathers at Ayodhya Haridwar and other religious places on Makar Sankranti, holy dip taken in sacred rivers

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Makar Sankranti is being celebrated across the country with devotion and enthusiasm. With the Sun entering the Capricorn zodiac, the festival symbolizes virtue, tradition, and spiritual awareness. On this occasion, large numbers of devotees gathered at major religious destinations such as Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Rishikesh, and Haridwar to take holy baths in sacred rivers.

In Prayagraj, amid the ongoing Magh Mela, a huge crowd reached the Sangam ghats early Wednesday morning for the auspicious bath on Makar Sankranti. Devotees of all age groups took a sacred dip at the confluence. After bathing at the Sangam, a devotee from Ayodhya said that the arrangements were very good, with well-managed roads and ghats, and efficient administration.

A woman devotee shared that she has been visiting Prayagraj for the last 10–12 years and stays for a month every time. She said the place is so sacred that it cannot be described in words. Another devotee said the experience was very pleasant, adding that the atmosphere was filled with joy on Makar Sankranti.

In Ayodhya, the ghats of the Sarayu river also witnessed a heavy rush of devotees. Despite the severe cold, devotees began taking holy baths from around 4 am. After bathing, many proceeded to Hanumangarhi temple and Ram temple for darshan. A devotee visiting Ayodhya for the first time from Ashoknagar district of Madhya Pradesh said they decided to come here this year after completing earlier pilgrimages. Another devotee from Mirzapur said bathing in the sacred Sarayu on Makar Sankranti felt very special.

In Uttarakhand’s Rishikesh, thousands of pilgrims took a holy dip at Triveni Ghat. Devotees performed prayers, rituals, and charity. A pilgrim from Rajasthan said he has been coming to Rishikesh for the last eight years to bathe in the Ganga, offer donations, and perform rituals. Another devotee said people from different states and even abroad come to take a holy dip and seek blessings on this day.

Similarly, in Haridwar, devotees took a sacred bath at Har Ki Pauri. One devotee recalled earlier times when they had to travel secretly, but now they feel happy to visit freely. Another devotee said the holy bath on Makar Sankranti is considered extremely sacred and brings a sense of peace and happiness.