Makar Sankranti in Varanasi
Makar Sankranti is one of the few ancient Indian festivals that has been observed according to solar cycles, marks the first day of sun's transit into the Makara (Capricorn) from Sagittarius (January 14/15), marking the end of the month with the winter solstice and the start of longer days.
Thousands of Hindu devotees from all over India gather at the holy city, Varanasi, take a holy dip in the most sacred river, Ganges with thanksgiving to the sun for their successes and prosperity. The bathing is believed to result in merit or absolution of past sins.
They also perform rituals and prayer (puja and prasada offerings) at the river bank in remembrance of their departed family members and they also seek blessings for their departed souls!
Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and probably the oldest in India. The culture of Varanasi is closely associated with the River Ganges and the river's religious importance. The city has been a cultural and religious centre in North India for several thousand years.
Images of India
Makar Sankranti in Varanasi
Makar Sankranti is one of the few ancient Indian festivals that has been observed according to solar cycles, marks the first day of sun's transit into the Makara (Capricorn) from Sagittarius (January 14/15), marking the end of the month with the winter solstice and the start of longer days.
Thousands of Hindu devotees from all over India gather at the holy city, Varanasi, take a holy dip in the most sacred river, Ganges with thanksgiving to the sun for their successes and prosperity. The bathing is believed to result in merit or absolution of past sins.
They also perform rituals and prayer (puja and prasada offerings) at the river bank in remembrance of their departed family members and they also seek blessings for their departed souls!
Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and probably the oldest in India. The culture of Varanasi is closely associated with the River Ganges and the river's religious importance. The city has been a cultural and religious centre in North India for several thousand years.
Images of India