A MASSIVE surge of devotees was seen along the banks of river Narmada on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, as lakhs of pilgrims took a holy dip in the sacred river. Those following the traditional calendar observed the festival on Thursday, leading to a fair-like atmosphere at the river banks for the second consecutive day. According to Vedic astrology, Makar Sankranti marks the auspicious transition of the Sun into Uttarayan, making the day spiritually significant. From early morning, devotees from the city and nearby areas reached the ghats despite the biting cold. 

 

Ritual bathing, charity (daan) and prayers were performed with faith, while families also enjoyed the festive surroundings. In view of the heavy crowd, the local administration made elaborate arrangements at all major ghats. Traffic movement was regulated through barricading and diversions. Divers and home guards were deployed with the support of the Jabalpur Municipal Corporation, Janpad panchayat and Municipal councils. Adequate police force remained stationed at ghats and approach roads to ensure safety and smooth movement.

 

Senior officials reviewed the arrangements in advance to avoid any lapses. A large number of bhandaras and food distribution programmes were organised on the occasion. Khichdi was served at many locations. At the ISKCON (Hare Krishna) Ashram in Bhedaghat, a massive bhandara was organised for the second day in a row, where around 51 quintals of khichdi were distributed as prasad. Organisers said devotees arrived not only from nearby villages but also from distant areas.

 

At the Shri Narmadeshwar Mahadev Temple, Shankaracharya Ashram, Ramnagara Tilwara, a grand Maharudrabhishek of Lord M a h a m r i t y u n j a y a Narmadeshwar Mahadev was performed under the guidance of Brahmachari Chaitanyanand Ji Maharaj. On the occasion, a special Sahasrarchan of Lord Surya Narayan was also performed using 51,000 rose flowers. The festival concluded peacefully, with the Narmada ghats resonating with devotion, discipline and festive spirit throughout the day.