Chief Minister Yogi
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, offered ‘khichdi’ at the Gorakhnath temple, to mark the occasion of Makar Sankranti. The chief minister is also the head priest of the temple and was the first to offer prayers.
CM Yogi On ‘Kichadi’
While speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Yogi said, “Today is the holy festival of Makar Sankranti. On this occasion, khichdi is offered to Lord Gorakhnath ji by the devotees from different parts of the state and the country. I have also had the privilege of offering Khichdi to Lord Gorakhnath ji.”
CM Yogi Adityanath has wished and congratulated the devotees of Makar Sankranti. He said that the festival of Makar Sankranti is a great festival of faith towards the Sun, the father of the world. May Shiv Avatari Baba Guru Gorakhnath do well to all and keep his blessings on all of us.
Further, the CM said that although devotees have been offering khichdi to Baba since yesterday, but today lakhs of people will offer khichdi of their faith to Baba.
Also Read: Makar Sankranti: Know Significance, Date, Time And How Cities Celebrate Harvest Festival
Significance Of The Festival
Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival observed as the Sun enters the Capricorn or Makara phase, signaling the end of winter. Devotees worship the Sun God on the occasion
It is believed that on this day the Sun god (Bhaskar) visits his son Shani to meet him. Since Shani is the master of Makar Rashi. Therefore, this day is also known as Makar Sankranti.
Moreover, it is mentioned in the Mahabharata that Bhishma decided to give away his life on this day only. Also, Ganga followed Bhagirath and passed through the ashram of Kapil Muni and finally merged into the sea.
Bathing in Ganga and making donations on this day is considered to be very auspicious. Generally, the Sun affects all the ‘rashis’ but the entry of the sun in ‘Kark’ and ‘Makar’ is very fruitful as per religious sentiments. This entry and exit process is of six months each.
