<span style="color: #222222;">Festival of harvest, Makar Sankranti is being celebrated in several parts of the country today. In Uttar Pradesh, Makar Sankranti is being celebrated with full religious fervour.<br />''<br />''The festival is also celebrated as Khichdi in the eastern and Awadh regions of the State. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is in Gorakhpur to celebrate the Khichdi festival. He offered Khichdi to Guru Gorakhshanath on this auspicious day.<br />''<br />''AIR correspondent reports, offering 'khichdi' to Baba Gorakshanath on Makar Sankranti is considered auspicious. Offering khichdi to the diety will continue for weeks.<br />''<br />''Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the nation on the occasion of Magh Bihu. In his message, he hoped that Magh Bihu deepens people's bond with nature and furthers the atmosphere of joy.<br />''<br />''He also wished people on the occasion of Pongal, particularly the Tamil people worldwide. He hoped that the festival brings happiness and wonderful health to everyone's lives.<br />''<br />''Long queues of devotees were seen at outside the Gorakhnath Temple today. Devotees along with saints have flocked to the Ghats of holy rivers across the state since early morning and take bath on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. Heavy rush of devotees can be seen at the banks of river Ganga in Hapur, Garhmukteshwar Kanpur Varanasi Ghazipur and Ballia.  <br />''<br />''This is also an important bathing festival of about one and a half month long Magh Mela, being held on the banks of Sangam, the confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati in Prayagraj.<br />''<br />''Several dedicated religious programmes are being organized in Magh mela area.<br />''<br />''Meanwhile, the main roads in Hyderabad city wore a near-deserted look yesterday as most Hyderabadis left for their hometowns to celebrate Makara Sankranti. The series of holidays accompanied by the festival left otherwise congested streets like Khairatabad, Ameerpet, Punjagutta, Malakpet, and Uppal less populous.<br />''<br />''However, in sharp contrast, excited activity and movement were witnessed at Tank Bund, Lumbini Park, NTR Gardens, Shilparamam, and other sightseeing places, with locals going there in large numbers owing to holidays. Some public Places like Necklace Road, NTR Stadium, and Parade Ground turned into crowded areas with kites of myriad hues and designs flying in the air.<br />''<br />''Similarly, many flocked to markets to shop for kites, manjha, and other festive items. Markets in Begum Bazaar, Dhoolpet, and Mangalhat were flooded with customers.</span><br />