This Article is From Jan 14, 2014

Thousands take dip in Himachal to mark Makar Sankranti

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A Hindu devote offers prayers during a holy bath on the auspicious Makar Sankranti day at a natural hot water spring in Tattapani, about 52 kilometers (33 miles) north of Shimla on Jan 14, 2014

Shimla: Thousands of devotees across Himachal Pradesh took a dip in rivers early on Tuesday to mark Makar Sankranti, considered a holy day.

Huge gatherings were reported at Tattapani, 50 km from the state capital, and Manikaran, home to a Sikh shrine in Kullu district, for a holy dip in the Sutlej and Parvati rivers respectively, officials said.

Both Tattapani and Manikaran, known for hot springs with high sulphur concentration, witnessed a majority of devotees mainly from Punjab, Haryana and Delhi.

"We are expecting a daily arrival of over 25,000 devotees on Makar Sankranti," a priest at Tattapani told IANS.

Likewise, the devotees took a holy bath in Vashist temple, located on the outskirts of the popular tourist resort Manali.

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The temple is situated on the left bank of Beas river, also known for its hot springs.

Makar Sankranti is a major harvest festival celebrated in various parts of the country.

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It also marks the beginning of warmer and longer days compared to the nights. 
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