Makar Sankranti celebrations in Uttar Pradesh: CM Yogi Adityanath offered prayers and khichdi in Gorakhpur, while devotees are taking holy dips in Prayagraj and Varanasi.

Across the country, Makar Sankranti is being celebrated today with great devotion. In Gorakhpur, on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath offered khichdi (a traditional rice and lentil dish) to Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath at the Gorakhnath Temple during the auspicious Brahma Muhurta (pre-dawn hours). He prayed for the well-being of the people and for everyone's happiness and prosperity.

CM Yogi extended his heartfelt greetings to everyone on Makar Sankranti and mentioned that lakhs of devotees have arrived to offer khichdi to Baba Gorakhnath and to take a holy dip in the Sangam at Prayagraj.

Meanwhile, in Prayagraj, the main bathing ritual of the Magh Mela, Makar Sankranti, began at the Sangam and other ghats of Prayagraj from the Brahma Muhurta itself. The weather has changed compared to the previous days. Dense fog has enveloped the area since dawn, yet there is tremendous enthusiasm among those taking the holy dip. People from all corners of the country, Kalpavasis (devotees observing a month-long penance), sadhus, saints, and numerous Naga ascetics are continuously taking their ritualistic baths.

Divisional Commissioner Soumya Agarwal, Police Commissioner Jogendra Kumar, District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma, and other officials are present at the Sangam Nose. Announcements are being made continuously through loudspeakers, urging bathers to finish their baths quickly and vacate the ghats.

To prevent people from loitering unnecessarily on the ghats, police personnel, RAF jawans, mounted police, civil defense volunteers, and volunteers from the District Crime Prevention Committee are using whistles to move unnecessary crowds away from the ghats.

In addition, a similar display of devotion is being witnessed in Varanasi. On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a large number of devotees are taking a holy dip in the Ganges at the ghats, and the chants of "Har Har Mahadev" are resounding throughout the area.