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Thousands throng Haridwar for Makar Sankranti holy bath

by IBNS 14 Jan 2016, 07:40 am

Haridwar, Jan 14 (IBNS) Thousands of devotees swarmed the 'Har ki Pauri' ghat in Haridwar to take first festive bath on the occasion of Makar Sankranti during the Ardh Kumbh mela on Thursday morning, reports said.

The administration has made elaborate arrangements, including heavy deployment of police and paramilitary staff, to ensure pilgrims' security and necessary facilities. 

According to the Hindu almanac, the  Makar Sankranti spreads to two days this year giving an opportunity to pilgrims to take holy bath on  January 14 and 15. 

The administration expects a crowd of more than one million coming from all walks of life.

The bath during the Kumbh is taken with a belief that their sins.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has wished the nation on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. "On Makar Sankranti, I extend my heartfelt greetings to people across the nation," the Prime Minister tweeted.