More than 12 lakh devotees take holy dip at Sangam on Makar Sankranti; Magh Mela begins
Prayagraj (PTI): More than 12 lakh devotees took a dip at the Sangam - the confluence of three holy rivers - on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on Monday, officials said.
The one-and-a-half-month-long 'Magh Mela' also began with Makar Sankranti celebrations.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended greetings to people on Makar Sankranti, and said extensive arrangements have been made across the state for the celebrations.
Magh Mela officer Dayanand Prasad said around 12.50 lakh devotees took a dip in the Ganga river by 12 noon.
Rajendra Mishra, a priest, said devotees had started coming to the Sangam since late last night.
Sangam is the confluence of three rivers - the Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati.
A district administration official said two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were deployed to prevent any untoward incident at the venue.
Eight ghats and six pontoon bridges have been built for the pilgrims.
The official said 18,000 street-lights have been installed in the fair ground.
Two make-shift hospitals, 14 police stations, 41 police chowkis and 14 fire stations have been established for the fair.
In Gorakhpur, the chief minister offered sacred 'khichdi' to Mahayogi Gorakhnath at the Gorakhnath Temple at 4 am on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.
Talking to reporters later, he said adequate arrangements have been made and the government is making all efforts to ensure that there is no inconvenience to devotees throughout the state.
Several lakh devotees thronged the Gorakhnath Temple to offer 'khichdi' to Mahayogi Gorakhnath, an incarnation of Lord Shiva.
Makar Sankranti is considered an auspicious date for various holy and significant events.
The chief minister said that people, by taking a dip in rivers and ponds, are strengthening their faith in Bharat's ancient tradition.
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Klaasen, Kishan power SRH to 33-run win, top spot
Hyderabad (PTI): Heinrich Klaasen (69) and Ishan Kishan (55) made Punjab Kings pay dearly for their sloppy fielding, powering Sunrisers Hyderabad to a handsome 41-run win to jump to the top of the table in the IPL, here on Wednesday.
The duo helped in setting a challenging total of 235 for 4 after Punjab Kings opted to bowl.
In reply, Punjab Kings were restricted to 202 for seven to succumb to their third loss on the trot and slipped to second spot.
Cooper Connolly waged a lone battle for PBKS with a brilliant 107 not out from 59 balls (7x4, 8x6) but lacked support from the other end.
For SRH, Pat Cummins (2/34) and Shivang Kumar (2/45) were the main wicket takers.
Earlier, dropped on nine, Klaasen capitalised to smash three fours and four sixes in his 43-ball knock.
Kishan, who survived two reprieves -- a dropped catch and a missed stumping -- struck a brisk 32-ball 55, including two fours and four sixes.
For Punjab Kings, Yuzvendra Chahal was the most economical, returning 1/32, but endured a frustrating outing as all the dropped chances and the missed stumping came off his bowling.
Brief Scores
Sunrisers Hyderabad 235 for 4 in 20 overs (Heinrich Klaasen 69, Ishan Kishan 55; Yuzvendra Chahal 1/32). Punjab Kings (Cooper Connolly 107 not out; Pat Cummins 2/34, Shivang Kumar 2/45). SRH won by 33 runs.
