Mon Jan 12 04:30:00 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Devotees Gather at Prayagraj for Makar Sankranti Celebrations at Magh Mela

The Story:
Thousands of devotees have begun converging at the Sangam in Prayagraj for the second bathing festival, Makar Sankranti, of the annual Magh Mela. The confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers is witnessing a spiritual awakening as saints and devotees immerse themselves in prayer and meditation. The auspicious period for Makar Sankranti spans two days, with the actual Sankranti occurring on January 14, according to the government calendar, but the most auspicious time for bathing falling on January 15.

The atmosphere is filled with devotional music and chants of praise to Ganga Maiya. While the government calendar indicates January 14 as Makar Sankranti, astrologers emphasize the significance of January 15 as the punya kaal, or auspicious period. This is because the sun’s transit from Sagittarius (Dhanu) to Capricorn (Makar) occurs at 9:39 PM on January 14, marking the beginning of the transition from Dakshinayan to Uttarayan.

Key Points:

  • The Makar Sankranti festival is being celebrated at the Magh Mela in Prayagraj.
  • Devotees are gathering at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.
  • The official date for Makar Sankranti according to the government calendar is January 14.
  • Astrologers state the punya kaal (auspicious period) for Makar Sankranti is January 15, due to the timing of the sun’s transit into Capricorn.
  • The transition from Dakshinayan to Uttarayan begins on January 14 at 9:39 PM.
  • Charitable acts such as donating blankets, khichdi, copper, and gold are considered auspicious.
  • Donating iron and urad dal is discouraged.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Makar Sankranti festival at the Magh Mela continues to be a significant event drawing large crowds of devotees.
  • There’s a slight discrepancy between the government calendar date and astrological calculations regarding the most auspicious time for the festival.
  • Traditional beliefs about auspicious donations are still prevalent during Makar Sankranti.

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