Makarsankrati prohibits holy bathing in Haridwar and Rishikesh

The decision came in the wake of increasing cases of corona

Odisha also bans religious gatherings on Makarsankrati and Pongal

Dehradun: In view of the rising cases of corona in Odisha, the gathering of people for religious ceremonies on the day of Makarsankrati and Pongal on January 14 has been banned. In addition, holy bathing in the Ganges at Rishikesh and Haridwar has been banned.

Experts warned that the annual Gangalsagar Mela, which is held between January 8 and January 16 every year in the wake of Makarsankrati, would spread more corona.

Following this warning, holy bathing in the Ganges has been banned. According to a notification issued by the Uttarakhand government, in view of the increasing cases of corona, devotees are being instructed not to take a holy bath in the Ganges during Makarsankrati.

Haridwar District Magistrate Vinay Shankar Prasad and Dehradun District Magistrate R Rajesh Kumar said in a statement that entry to the ghats of Haridwar and Rishikesh has been closed. It may be mentioned that on the day of Makarsankrati, a large number of devotees drown in the river Ganga. 2127 cases of corona were reported in Uttarakhand on Tuesday. Which was 1292 the day before.