Jan 14: Makar Sankranti, one of India’s most significant harvest festivals, is being observed with deep religious fervour across several states, with West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh witnessing large-scale participation of devotees performing the sacred Punya Snan in rivers, ponds, and other water bodies.
In West Bengal, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Poush Parbon, a festival that blends spiritual devotion with rich cultural traditions. From early morning, devotees gathered at various water bodies across the state to take the auspicious holy dip, believing it to cleanse sins and bring prosperity. The festival is also marked by the preparation of traditional Bengali sweets made from rice flour, coconut, kheer, and jaggery, a cherished household ritual that reflects the agrarian roots of the occasion.
The highlight of the celebrations in the state is the Gangasagar Mela, held at the confluence of the River Ganga and the Bay of Bengal. Lakhs of pilgrims from across the country have converged at Gangasagar to participate in the Punya Snan, making it one of the largest religious congregations during Makar Sankranti. The state administration has put in place extensive arrangements to manage the massive influx of devotees, ensuring safety, sanitation, and smooth conduct of rituals.
In Uttar Pradesh, too, Makar Sankranti is being observed with immense devotion. Thousands of devotees have gathered along the banks of major rivers, including the Ganga, Yamuna, and their tributaries, to take the holy dip. The state government has made elaborate arrangements to facilitate the pilgrims, with special emphasis on crowd management, security, health services, and cleanliness.
According to Akashvani’s correspondent, devotees began assembling at riverbanks across Uttar Pradesh early in the morning to perform the sacred snan. While the festival is being observed today in many parts of the state, Makar Sankranti also marks the second important snan of the Magh Mela, which will be observed tomorrow in several regions.
In Prayagraj, the administration has undertaken extensive preparations for the Magh Mela. Bathing ghats spanning a total length of 12,100 feet have been constructed to accommodate the large number of pilgrims. These ghats are equipped with essential facilities such as changing rooms, bathing pools, kiosks, toilets, and drinking water points, ensuring comfort and convenience for devotees.
Authorities remain on high alert, with coordinated efforts by police, health departments, disaster response teams, and local administration to ensure a safe and peaceful celebration. The seamless arrangements reflect the government’s commitment to facilitating religious observances while prioritising public safety.
Makar Sankranti continues to symbolize renewal, gratitude, and harmony, uniting millions of people across regions in shared faith and tradition. The large-scale participation in West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh once again underscores the enduring cultural and spiritual significance of the festival in India’s social fabric.
