Trips to temples, parks mark Makar Sankranti

Ranchi: The city observed Makar Sankranti, signifying the end of winter and the beginning of spring, in a variety of ways. People flew kites and ate dahi chuda (curd and rice flakes) or visited temples. Revellers also flocked the parks, waterfalls and several other tourist hotspots on a pleasant winter day.
Badal Singh, spokesperson for Shri Shiv Barat Aayojan Mahasamiti Pahari Mandir, said, “ A great number of people gather at the temple to worship God and seek blessings. The lines were 10 times longer than on normal days.”
Ankita Sharma, a resident of Lalpur, said, “Sankranti is one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar. Hence on this day, early in the morning, people worship God. Additionally, folks donate whatever they are able to.”
Mahuwa Mandal, a resident of Lalpur, said, “After a delicious breakfast of dahi, chuda, and tilkuts, we travelled to Jonah falls to celebrate the festival with friends.”
Kite enthusiasts also had a field day. Prince Raj, a Main Road resident, stated, “Since childhood, we have flown kites in winter. However, as adults we have jobs and become too busy to fly kites and pursue our passions. But this time, we followed tradition and flew kites.”
Maheshwari Mahila Samiti and Maheshwari Yuva Sangathan distributed khichdi and tilkut to 1,200 adults and children over the course of two days, for all the devotees who had gathered in the vicinity of Shri Lakshmi Narayan temple.
A blood donation camp was also conducted at Maheshwari Bhavan. It collected 92 units of blood. The members also donated tuladan (fodder) and edible items at Harmu Gaushala.
Maheshwari Mahila Samiti president Bharti Chitlangia said, “On Makar Sankranti, merit is accrued in proportion to the amount of charitable acts performed. As it gives us inner serenity and satisfaction, charitable giving is regarded as the most essential factor. If we are able, we should assist those in need.”