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Makar Sankranti in Varanasi

          Varanasi: Makar Sankranti was celebrated with great devotion and fervour in the holy city of Varanasi amid tight security on Sunday. It is one of the most auspicious days of the Hindu calendar. Devotees from across the country thronged city's riverbanks at sunrise to take a holy dip in the river. It is believed that a dip in the Ganges on this auspicious day washes away all sins, though some devotees say the tradition has a scientific background. "The planetary configuration will have a good effect on the people today. It is very scientific and not just a ritual. It is about congregation of the planets, and it is believed to do good to us," said Kailash, a devotee. The festival is celebrated to mark the transition of the Sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn during the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere (Uttarayana). It is celebrated as "Maghi" (Spring season), according to the Hindu calendar, and is known in different parts of the country by different names. In eastern and parts of north and northwest India, it is celebrated as Makar Sakranti, in south India as "Pongal" and as "Bihu" in northeastern India. Hindu scriptures say the ritual dates back to the origin of the earth when gods and demons, after stirring the oceans, squabbled over who should get the holy "amrit" or nectar, one drop of which guaranteed immortality. Lord Vishnu (the God of Preservation) transformed himself into a woman to distract the demons. But the demons chased the gods, who spilled drops of the nectar at four places-- Allahabad, Nasik, Hardwar and Ujjain.
- Jan 14, 2007

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