Keonjhar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday took a holy dip in the Baitarani River in Keonjhar district on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti.
The Chief Minister performed the sacred ritual at Shaibya Kaberi Ghat on the banks of the Baitarani River in the morning.
Accompanied by his wife, Majhi offered prayers at the ghat and took the ceremonial dip, adhering to traditional customs associated w
ith the sacred festival.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister extended greetings to the people in a post on X.
Majhi, in his message, described Makar Sankranti as a festival of enthusiasm and tradition. He said the age-old traditions of Odisha will strengthen social unity and harmony, and prayed for the continued progress of the state and happiness in every household through divine blessings.
Festive fervour gripped Odisha as people across the state celebrated Makar Sankranti. Devotees prepared ‘Makar Chaula’ and offered it to deities at their houses to mark the occasion. As per tradition, the ‘Makar Chaula’ is consumed by all family members.
Special rituals are also performed at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri on Makar Sankranti. Thousands of devotees thronged Puri to have darshan of the deities in ‘Makar Besha’.