South 24 Parganas:
Water was sprayed on devotees by drones on Thursday as they prayed and chanted mantras at Gangasagar in South 24 Parganas district on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.
The state government gave a modern twist to the traditional holy bath and took this initiative in view of the increasing COVID-19 cases. The holy bath in Gangasagar via drone will also continue on Friday.
Despite the increasing COVID-19 cases in the state, thousands of devotees showed up for the event. The water was sprayed on devotees as they offered their prayers.
The Supreme Court of Calcutta had asked the government to insist that people choose e-baths this time. Therefore, e-bath kits are prepared and sent to devotees who request it through the mail.
Block Development Officer, Sagar, Sudipta Mandal told ANI that four drones were used for the event.
“Four drones will be used as part of this event. One drone will be used to announce everyone to adhere to COVID-19 protocols and another will display banners from the event. The third is a high-capacity drone and has a sensor It is used to bring water to the devotees. The last drone is used for disinfection,” he said.
Mandal said proper social distancing is being followed and people come in groups to take their holy bath.
“So far 250 people have taken their holy bath. It will continue until tomorrow. We have enough manpower for this,” he added.
Makar Sankranti or Maghi, is a festival in the Hindu calendar, in which devotees make offerings to the deity Surya. The day marks the first day of the sun’s passage to the Makara and marks the end of the winter solstice month and the beginning of longer days.