Nod to Makar Sankranti bath at Ganga ghats in Haridwar uncertain
HARIDWAR: With a surge in Covid cases across the country, uncertainty looms over the Makar Sankranti bath scheduled on January 14 at Ganga ghats in Haridwar.
Makar Sankranti festival is the first major religious bath of the year that during normal time draws lakhs of pilgrims from across the country.
With till date no specific mentioning about Makar Sankranti or festive baths in standard operating procedure issued by state government, seers and priests are still hopeful that the bath will be allowed with Covid curbs.
Akhada Parishad and trader fraternity has sought a clear decision in this regard from authorities so that they can plan accordingly for the festive bath.
Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad, the apex body of all the Akhadas, has urged local administration to apprise it as early as possible about the same
“The state government and district administration should clear their stand so that cloud of uncertainty looming on the first festive of the new year gets cleared. Though there is no denying the fact that Omicron variant has led to surge in Covid-19 cases.
“We assure the authorities that we will of abide by the decision taken by them,” said Ravindra Puri, president NiranjaniJuna Akhada led Akhada Parishad. Trader fraternity heavily relies on business during Makar Sankranti time owing to lean pilgrims-tourists phase since late November after closure of Char Dham pilgrimage and onset of winter season.
Just a fortnight ago traders were expecting good rush for Makar Sankranti, as Covid cases had then declined nationwide.
“Traders prepare in advance to stock the goods and material particularly religious ritual related items for Makar Sankranti.
“If specific guidelines are issued for the year’s first bath then it will be much better,” said Prantiya Vyapar Mandal general secretary Sanjay Triwal.
The district administration is also taking stock of the situation and has upped the sampling of other state people arriving at state border.
“Soon a decision will be taken regarding Makar Sankranti festival. Covid spread is on rise and a decision will be taken keeping this aspect in mind,” said district magistrate Vinay Shankar Pandey.
Last year, the district administration had made RT-PCR mandatory for pilgrims arriving from other states in Haridwar. Thermal screening was also ensured at dharamshalas, ashrams, hotels and guest houses that time.
About 10 lakh pilgrims had arrived at Haridwar on Makar Sankranti last year.