Winter’s chill met unyielding devotion head-on at Haridwar’s Har Ki Pauri during Makar Sankranti celebrations. Pilgrims poured in from dawn, turning the famed ghat into a throbbing center of faith, their Ganga Snan rituals unbroken by the frosty air.
Celebrated nationwide with regional flavors – from Pongal in the south to Magh Bihu in the northeast – Makar Sankranti in Uttarakhand centers on river immersions. The belief that these baths dissolve past sins and invite good fortune drew diverse crowds, including international tourists witnessing the phenomenon.
Logistics were impeccable: barricades channeled the flow, divers monitored depths, and langars served warm khichdi to the weary. ‘Ganga’s touch invigorates more than any heater,’ quipped a young bather from Delhi.
The evening crescendoed with a grand Aarti, flames dancing on the river as helicopters showered flower petals. Social media buzzed with videos capturing the majestic sight, amplifying Haridwar’s global appeal.
As festivities persist, authorities forecast record attendance. Makar Sankranti at Har Ki Pauri isn’t just a ritual; it’s a testament to India’s living spiritual heritage, blending tradition with communal joy.