PRAYAGRAJ, Jan. 16 -- Thousands of devotees from various corners of the country thronged to the Sangam to take a sacred dip on Thursday on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. Religious leaders and seers participated in the holy bathing ritual, offering prayers for peace and the welfare of society.

Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati arrived at the Sangam early in the day, performed Ganga Pujan, and offered prayers for universal well-being. Other prominent seers who took the holy dip included Jagadguru Santoshdas 'Satua Baba,' Baghambari Peethadhishwar Mahant Balveer Giri, Swami Adhokshajanand Devtirth of Puri Peeth, Mahant Yamunapuri of Mahanirvani Akhara, Mauni Baba, Dandi Sanyasi Swami Maheshashram, Swami Brahmashram, Swami ...