Haridwar administration bans holy dip in Ganga river on Makar Sankranti

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Dehradun: Amid a surge in Covid infections, the Uttarakhand government has banned the ritual holy dip in the Ganga in Haridwar on Makar Sankranti.

Reportedly, the decision has been taken in view of the third wave of Covid-19 and the emergence of the highly contagious Omicron variant.

Entry at ‘Har ki Pauri’ area has also been restricted and a night curfew will be imposed in the district from 10pm to 6am on January 14, added reports.

It is nto be noted that if someone is found violating the above-mentioned norms then proceedings will be initiated against the violator under Epidemic Disease Act 1897.

Makara Sankranti is regarded as important for spiritual practices and accordingly, people take a holy dip in rivers, especially Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri. The bathing is believed to result in merit or absolution of past sins. They also pray to the sun and thank for their successes and prosperity.

In Uttarakhand the festival is known by various names in the different parts of the state such as Uttarayani, Khichri Sangrand, Pusyodia, Ghughutia, Ghughuti Tyar, Kale Kauva, Makrain, Makraini, Gholda, Gwalda and Chunyatyar.

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