Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Thousands of devotees flocked to Gaurighat to take a holy dip in the Narmada in Jabalpur on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on Tuesday. The rush started coming in since early morning even when dense fog enveloped river banks.
Visuals show people taking a bath in the Narmada River at Gaurighat in the chilly morning. A thick layer of fog filled the air, reducing visibility and indicating chilling temperatures.
Besides the holy dip in the Narmada, the devotees donated sesame-jaggery and khichdi as part of the Sankranti rituals.
A bath for 'salvation'
Narmada bath, or 'snan,' holds special significance on the festival.
Devotees from across Madhya Pradesh and nearby states visited Narmada banks in Jabalpur and Hoshangabad in large numbers. Similarly, a huge crowd of people reached the banks of the Kshipra River in Ujjain for the holy bath.
People in the Niwari, Gwalior region took the dip in the Betwar River in Orchha.
Heavy security was deployed here to handle the huge crowd and ensure a peaceful celebration. Apart from the teams of police, home guards, and administration, divers are also deployed to deal with emergency situations, in case.
According to Hindu Puranas, taking a bath in the sacred Narmada on the occasion of Makar Sankranti helps people attain salvation.
Special prayers at Mahakal
Priests in Ujjain's Mahakleshwar performed special rituals on the Makar Sankranti on Tuesday morning. Lord Mahakal was given a special til (sesame) bath on the occasion.
CM extends heartfelt wishes
CM Mohan Yadav extends wishes for the harvest festival celebrated across India with different names—Makar Sankranti in North and Central India, Pongal in South India, Lohri in Punjab, Bihu in Assam, and other eastern parts.
