বাংলায় পড়ুন
Today marks the celebration of Makar Sankranti at the banks of the Ganges in West Bengal, drawing a multitude of devotees seeking spiritual fulfilment at the Ganga Sagar Mela. The shores are crowded with lakhs of pilgrims who have gathered to immerse themselves in the sacred waters of the Ganges.
The auspicious Mahendra Ekadashi bathing in the sea started at 9:13 a.m. today and will continue until midnight. Pilgrims, in addition to taking a dip in the ocean, are visiting the ashram of Kapil Muni for special prayers.
To ensure the safety and security of the devotees, strict police vigilance has been implemented, from the fairgrounds to the surrounding areas. Multiple police camps have been set up, and both air and water patrols are actively monitoring the region.
Various forces, including the Coast Guard, NDRF, and Civil Defence, are prepared to handle any emergencies. Drones, speed boats, and hovercrafts are deployed for surveillance and assistance.
Despite the biting cold, the devotion of the pilgrims remains unwavering. The state minister mentioned that 45 lakh pilgrims have already reached the fair, and the number continues to rise as devotees brave the chilly waters of the Ganges.
The cold wave has gripped parts of North Bengal, with Purulia surpassing Gangtok in temperature at 7.1 degrees Celsius compared to 7.7. In Darjeeling, the temperature is 6.6 degrees Celsius, while Shriniketan records 7.4. Kalimpong has surpassed Panagarh, Bardhaman, and Bankura, with temperatures of 9.5, 8.8, and 8.9, respectively.
The festive spirit prevails despite the challenging weather, making the Makar Sankranti celebration a remarkable and resilient event in West Bengal.
