New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 15 fed cows at his residence in the national capital on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti.
In the photos, the Prime Minister is seen feeding cows on the lawn at his residence. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath offered the sacred Khichdi to Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath at the Gorakhnath Mandir during Brahma Muhurta, in accordance with the revered traditions of the Nath sect.
On this occasion, he prayed to the divine Mahayogi for the welfare of the people and for the happiness and prosperity of all citizens.
According to a press release, after the ritual offering, Chief Minister Adityanath extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all citizens, saints, and devotees on Makar Sankranti. Highlighting the spiritual and cultural significance of Makar Sankranti, CM Yogi said, “The festival holds a special place in India’s age-old traditions.”
He described the Sun God as the soul of the universe and said that the festival dedicated to the worship of Surya marks an auspicious beginning for all sacred and propitious activities. With Makar Sankranti, he said, the period of auspicious ceremonies resumes in the Sanatan Dharma tradition.
Speaking to the media, he said that lakhs of devotees across the state have been visiting major pilgrimage sites since January 14 to express their faith. In Gorakhpur, a massive gathering of devotees offered Khichdi to Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath, while in Prayagraj, lakhs of devotees took the holy dip at the Sangam.
A prominent festival on the Indian calendar, devotees make offerings to the Hindu deity Surya on Makar Sankranti. The day marks the first day of the sun’s transit into the Makara, marking the end of the winter solstice and the start of longer days.
The festival is known by various names in different parts of the country, such as Pongal, Bihu, and Maghi. Devotees in several parts of the country performed rituals at different ghats.
Also known to strengthen the bond of friendship, this festival is all about making khichdi, kite flying, sesame sweets, and coconut laddoos. Makar Sankranti marks a message that the winter season is now clearly leaving.
(With inputs from ANI)
