Ayodhya witnessed a significant gathering of devotees on Makar Sankranti as thousands assembled along the banks of the Sarayu River to take a holy dip. The festival, which marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, holds deep religious importance in Hindu tradition. Devotees believe that bathing in sacred rivers on this auspicious day helps cleanse sins and brings spiritual merit.
From the early hours of the morning, pilgrims arrived at major ghats across Ayodhya. Chanting prayers and performing traditional rituals, devotees entered the Sarayu River under the supervision of local authorities. The atmosphere was marked by devotion, discipline, and faith as families, saints, and religious groups participated in the ritual bathing.
The district administration implemented comprehensive arrangements to manage the large crowd. Security personnel, including police and home guards, were deployed at strategic locations to maintain order. Barricades were installed near the ghats to regulate entry and exit, ensuring smooth movement of pilgrims. Continuous announcements were made to guide devotees and prevent overcrowding.
Special attention was given to cleanliness and sanitation. Municipal teams worked throughout the day to maintain hygiene around the riverbanks. Temporary toilets, drinking water facilities, and waste disposal units were installed to support the large number of visitors. Medical camps were set up near the ghats to provide immediate assistance in case of health emergencies.
Religious leaders and temple priests conducted prayers and rituals throughout the day. Many devotees also offered donations and performed charitable acts, which are traditionally associated with Makar Sankranti. The festival is also known for social practices such as feeding the needy and distributing food among pilgrims.
Local traders and vendors benefited from the increased footfall, with shops selling religious items, flowers, sweets, and traditional offerings witnessing brisk business. Transport services also saw increased demand as pilgrims traveled to Ayodhya from nearby towns and districts.
Officials stated that the arrangements were planned well in advance to ensure a smooth and safe experience for devotees. Authorities appealed to visitors to follow safety guidelines, cooperate with officials, and maintain cleanliness along the riverbanks.
The celebration of Makar Sankranti in Ayodhya once again reflected the city’s deep spiritual heritage. The holy dip in the Sarayu River continues to be a central ritual, drawing devotees year after year and reinforcing the religious and cultural significance of the festival in Uttar Pradesh.
