HARIDWAR: Amid continuous rise in Covid-19 cases, the Haridwar administration has banned devotees from taking holy dip in Ganga river on
Makar Sankranti, January 14.
"There will be a complete ban on Makar Sakranti celebration/holy dip on January 14 in view of a new variant of COVID-19 i.e., Omicron," the district magistrate's order states.
Even, residents of the district will not be allowed in the area of Har ki Podi on the day of the festival.
"Night curfew will also be imposed from 10 pm to 6 am in the district (on Friday)," reads the order.
It adds that if someone is found violating the above-mentioned norms then proceedings will be initiated against the violator under Epidemic Disease Act, 1897.
Makara Sankranti marks the first day of the sun's transit into the Makara, marking the end of the winter solstice and start of longer days.