Number of devotees took a dip in rivers early morning today on the occasion of Makar Sankranti as it is considered a holy day across Himachal Pradesh.
Huge gatherings were reported at Tattapani, which is 50 km from Shimla, and Manikaran, a home to a Sikh shrine in Kullu district, for a holy dip in the Satluj and Parvati rivers.
Both Tattapani and Manikaran, known for hot springs with high sulphur concentration, witnessed a majority of devotees mainly from Punjab, Haryana and Delhi. A priest at Tattapani said that they are expecting a daily arrival of over 25,000 devotees on Makar Sankranti.
The devotees also took a holy bath in Vashisht temple, which is located on the outskirts of the popular tourist resort Manali. The temple is situated on the left bank of Beas river, and is well known for its hot springs.
Makar Sankranti is a major harvest festival celebrated in various parts of the country. It also indicates the beginning of longer and warmer days.