COVID in Uttarakhand: Haridwar administration bans holy dip in Ganges on Makar Sankranti

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Amid the continuous rise in COVID-19 cases, the Haridwar administration has banned devotees from taking a holy dip in the Ganga river on the festival of Makar Sankranti on January 14.

“There will be a complete ban on Makar Sakranti celebration/holy dip on January 14 in view of a new variant of COVID-19, i.e., Omicron,” the District Magistrate’s order states.

Even residents of the district will not be allowed in the area of Har ki Pauri on the day of the festival.

“Night Curfew will also be imposed from 10 pm to 6 am in the district (on Friday),” reads the order.

It further adds that if someone is found violating the above-mentioned norms, then proceedings will be initiated against the violator under Epidemic Disease Act 1897.

Makara Sankranti or Maghi is a festival in the Hindu calendar about the deity Surya. The day marks the first day of the sun’s transit into the Makara, marking the end of the month with the winter solstice and the start of longer days.

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