Makar Sankranti 2026: Millions of Devotees Take Holy Dips in Prayagraj and Varanasi

Prayagraj/Varanasi: On the eve of Makar Sankranti, a massive surge of faith and devotion swept through the holy cities of Prayagraj and Varanasi, with millions of pilgrims participating in sacred river baths. In Prayagraj alone, approximately eight million devotees took a dip at the Sangam and other prominent ghats, while Varanasi witnessed over two lakh devotees performing the ritual in the Ganga.

Devotion and Celebration at the Sangam
From early morning, pilgrims from across the country thronged the Sangam, Naini’s Areil, Jhunsi, and other major bathing sites. Men, women, children, and elderly devotees filled every ghat, eager to perform the holy dip. The festival, blending spirituality and tradition, also saw devotees offering donations and visiting temples such as Akshayavat and Lete Hanuman, filling the atmosphere with chants and jubilation.

Pilgrims from Across India
Devotees arrived by trains, buses, and private vehicles from cities including Lucknow, Kanpur, Ayodhya, and Rewa. Thanks to effective traffic management and strict security arrangements, the massive crowds moved in an orderly manner, walking several kilometers to reach the bathing ghats without any disruption.

Varanasi Joins in the Festivities
In Varanasi, over two lakh devotees took a dip in the Ganga a day before the festival. Rituals, offerings, and food prasad were distributed at key temples, including Vishwanath, Dashashwamedh, and Masannath. At Dashashwamedh Ghat, nearly 50,000 devotees bathed, while around 40,000 took the holy dip at Panchganga and Assi-Tulsi Ghats.

Preparations and Safety Measures
The NDRF, SDRF, and river police were deployed to ensure safety during the festival. Dangerous sections of the river were marked, and continuous monitoring of ghats was maintained. Narrow lanes leading to the ghats witnessed heavy foot traffic, as devotees queued to visit temples like Kashi Vishwanath, Sankat Mochan, and Durga Mandir after their ritual bath.

A Festive Atmosphere Across the City
Beyond the rituals, the festival was celebrated with vibrant cultural activities, including kite flying across streets, rooftops, and open grounds, adding to the festive energy. Pilgrims’ faces reflected joy, devotion, and a sense of spiritual fulfillment, making the Makar Sankranti celebrations of 2026 a grand spiritual spectacle in both Prayagraj and Varanasi.