Makar Snan in Damodar.

Makar Snan in Damodar.

Durgapur is not surrounded with much rivers and streams, and the only Damodar overflows with devotees (Punnarthi) for the religious gatherings on the auspicious occasion of Makar Snan at the pre-dawn hours of Poush Sankranti.

                In Durgapur Barrage local people arrange several ghats with all possible amenities like hot Tea and Coffee, Mineral Water Bottle, Light snacks and Tiffin, and the most essential fire wood and fuel to make temporary fire places so that people could easily warm up themselves after a holy dip in the chilled water.

                Biman Sen,55 a resident of Township says, “Every year we reach Durgapur Barrage with some of my friends for taking this holy bath. We hire a vehicle and come at 4 AM. After taking bath and warming up a while we take tea and coffee, and return. This is our regular programme in this day since 10 years.”

                The other group of Samir Banerjee of Ashoke Avenue says, “Every year we around 20 people from our para come here at dawn to take Makar Snan. Actually we also come here for a picnic on that day in Barrage Area. After this episode we all become busy for the picnic. Tiny tots enjoy a lot. Boating (small Boat) is an extra attraction basking in the warm and rejoice the winter sun floating on the boats. Till sunset we all enjoy there. After lunch we arrange quiz competitions, antakshari and enjoy immensely. We also arrange for token gifts and prizes for the participants.”

Benoy Mazumdar a retired teacher of township says, “All over the country this day is observed with great fanfare. It is celebrated with different names in different parts of our country. Now Makar Snan apart from a harvest festival, it is also regards as the beginning of an auspicious phase in Indian culture. It is known as the ‘holy phase of transition.’ Scientifically this day marks the beginning of warmer and longer days compare to the nights.”

                Makar Sankranti is Indian’s unbreakable tradition of culture and livelihood. It is a symbol of unity in diversity. This festival gives a message of unit to not just India but to the whole world. Because sun is the only God of world who is worshiped by everyone freely. Festival of Makar Sankranti inspires to have peace and harmony, love and forget the hatred and stay with unity.

Kanchan Kumar Chatterjee.