Amid the continuous rise in Covid-19 cases, the Haridwar administration has banned devotees from taking a holy dip in the Ganga on Makar Sankranti, January 14.
"There will be a complete ban on Makar Sakranti celebration/holy dip on January 14 in view of the new variant of Covid-19, ie, Omicron," the district magistrate's order stated.
Even residents of the district will not be allowed in the area of Har ki Pauri 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 further adds that if someone is found violating the above-mentioned norms, then proceedings will be initiated against the violator under the Epidemic Disease Act 1897.
Makara Sankranti or Maghi is a festival in the Hindu calendar to worship the Sun god Surya.