Varanasi’s sacred ghats transformed into a sea of faith as thousands of devotees gathered for Makar Sankranti celebrations on Thursday. The air filled with chants of holy mantras while the Ganges shimmered under the winter sun. From dawn till dusk, pilgrims immersed themselves in rituals that have defined this ancient festival for centuries.
At Dashashwamedh Ghat, the epicenter of festivities, priests conducted elaborate Ganga Aarti with flames dancing in brass lamps. Devotees offered sesame seeds, jaggery, and til laddoos into the holy river, symbolizing the harvest’s bounty and the sun’s northward journey. Families clad in traditional attire participated in holy dips, believing the waters purify body and soul on this auspicious day.
The celebrations extended beyond rituals. Street vendors lined the ghats selling colorful kites, a nod to the playful tradition of kite-flying that marks Sankranti across India. Children laughed as kites soared high, competing in friendly aerial battles. Meanwhile, sadhus and ascetics from distant ashrams added to the spiritual ambiance, sharing blessings and tales of devotion.
Local authorities deployed extra security and medical teams to manage the massive crowds safely. Traffic diversions ensured smooth access to the ghats, allowing uninterrupted worship. Environmental efforts included clean-up drives post-celebrations to preserve the Ganges’ sanctity.
As night fell, the ghats glowed with diyas floating on the river, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Makar Sankranti in Varanasi wasn’t just a festival; it was a profound reaffirmation of faith, community, and timeless traditions that continue to draw the world to this spiritual capital.