Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) [India], February 15 (HBTV): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday extended wishes on Makar Sankranti and offered khichdi as prasadam at the Gorakhnath temple in Gorakhpur.
Speaking to reporters, the Chief Minister said devotees across the state visited religious sites and took a dip in the Triveni Sangam on the occasion.
He said, ‘Today is the sacred festival of Makar Sankranti. On this occasion, I extend warm greetings to all devotees and the people of the state. Since yesterday, lakhs of devotees across the entire state have been visiting sacred religious sites to perform worship. In Gorakhpur yesterday, lakhs of devotees offered khichdi to Mahayogi Lord Gorakhnath Ji. Lakhs of devotees also took a holy dip at the Sangam in Prayagraj yesterday.’
Adityanath described Makar Sankranti as an important festival in Indian tradition and said auspicious events would commence in accordance with the traditions of Sanatan Dharma after the festival.
He added, ‘Makar Sankranti is an extremely important festival in the tradition of festivals and celebrations in India. After today, all auspicious events will commence as per the traditions of Sanatan Dharma. On this occasion, I welcome all devotees.’
Makar Sankranti is a prominent festival in the Indian calendar during which devotees offer prayers to the Sun god Surya. The day marks the sun’s transit into the Makara (Capricorn) zodiac sign.
The festival is also associated with preparing khichdi, flying kites, and making sesame sweets and coconut laddoos, and symbolises the end of the winter season.
Meanwhile, in Prayagraj, the Magh Mela is underway at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the legendary Saraswati, one of the largest pilgrimages in India.
The pilgrimage is named after the Hindu month of Magh, which typically falls between January and February. The Prayag Magh Mela is a 45-day pilgrimage beginning on Paush Purnima and concluding on Mahashivaratri, spanning the entire month of Magh.
(ANI)