Amritsar (Punjab) [India], January 14: Devotees gathered in large numbers at Shri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) on Tuesday to offer prayers and seek blessings on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.
The visuals showed people of all ages and genders visiting the Golden Temple, participating in the religious observances of the day.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann extended his warm wishes to the people, praying for health and happiness for all. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he said, “Greetings to all of you on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti. May this holy festival bring health and happiness to all of your lives.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his greetings for Makar Sankranti and wished the festival would bring new energy and enthusiasm to people’s lives. “Many best wishes to all countrymen on Makar Sankranti. May this holy festival dedicated to the Uttarayan Sun bring new energy and enthusiasm into your life,” PM Modi posted on X.
Makar Sankranti is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, marking the Sun’s transition from Sagittarius to Capricorn, which signifies the beginning of Uttarayan. It is believed that taking a dip in holy rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna on this day cleanses sins and brings spiritual merit.
The festival is also a time for charity, devotion, and celebration with traditional foods like sesame-jaggery laddus, khichdi, and other festive dishes. Kite flying, a symbol of vibrant energy and cheer, is another cherished tradition on Makar Sankranti. The festival is known by different names across the country, including Pongal, Bihu, and Maghi.
In Prayagraj, the first ‘Amrit Snan’ of Maha Kumbh 2025 coincided with Makar Sankranti on Tuesday. Sadhus from the Mahanirvani Panchayati Akhada were among those taking a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam. By 10:30 AM, approximately 13.8 million devotees had bathed in the Sangam, according to officials.