Guwahati: Devotees and pilgrims observed the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti for the second day in a row by taking a holy dip in the Ganges on Sunday at Gangasagar in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal
Seers and pilgrims were observed plunging into the Ganges’ freezing waters while praying with their hands folded, defying the biting cold.
The Indian Coast Guard also kept a careful eye on the fairground in the South 24 Parganas region, where they had already deployed personnel and were keeping their boats and aircraft on alert to ensure the safety and security of the devotees and pilgrims at the fair.
According to sources, the Indian Coast Guard is working closely with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the district administration to provide security to the pilgrims.
Teams from the NDRF and SDRF are also ready to mobilise quickly in the case of an unfortunate incident.
Since it coincides with the Sun’s passage from Dakshinayan to Uttarayan, Makar Sankranti is regarded as one of the most fortunate times of the year.
The event which is always observed on January 14 is also referred to as Pongal, Bihu and Maghi.