Blessed by the flame: In a mesmerizing display of tradition, a cow gracefully leaps over flames during the annual Makar Sankranti festival in Bengaluru. The ritual, known as 'Kicchu Hayisuvudu,' features cows, bulls, and their handlers traversing through the fire, symbolizing the belief that this act will dispel evil forces and usher in good fortune for all participants.

More than 20 lakh devotees took a dip at the Sangam -- the confluence of three holy rivers -- on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on Monday.

Tejashwi Yadav, who is also the state’s deputy chief minister, expressed delight over the visit of his boss and made light of the speculations of a rift in Mahagathbandhan.