Makar Sankranti in India

The Day:

Makar Sankranti is a major harvest festival celebrated in various parts of India. It marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara in Sanskrit) on its celestial path. This typically falls on January 14th every year.

History and Significance:

The festival has an ancient origin, with references found in Hindu scriptures. It is a solar event making it one of the few Hindu festivals which fall on the same date in the Gregorian calendar every year, with minor exceptions due to leap years. The day symbolizes the arrival of spring and is considered auspicious as it signifies a new beginning.

Traditions:

• Holy Dips: People take holy dips in rivers, especially in the Ganges, Yamuna, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. The dip is said to purify oneself.
• Kite Flying: A popular activity associated with Makar Sankranti is kite flying. Skies across cities are adorned with colorful kites.
• Rangoli: Creating rangoli designs at doorsteps is a common practice.
• Bonfires and Feasts: In some regions, bonfires are lit and families gather around for festive meals.

What People Do:

• Charity: It's customary to give alms to the poor and needy.
• Sweets Sharing: Sharing sweets made of sesame seeds (til) such as 'Tilgul' or 'Til Laddoo' is customary, symbolizing harmony.
• Agricultural Celebrations: Being a harvest festival, farmers thank nature for an abundant harvest and pray for future prosperity.

Each region in India celebrates Makar Sankranti differently: Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Magh Bihu in Assam, Lohri by Punjabi's one day before Sankranti, Uttarayan in Gujarat and Rajasthan with kite flying being central to festivities.