Makar Sankranti is celebrated to mark the change of the sun from southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere.
The sun transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn(Makara).
This event occurs around January 14th each year. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of longer, warmer days.
This festival is dedicated to the SUN God, Surya.
Makar Sankranti is known by different names in different states in India.
It’s called Pongal in Tamil Nadu,
Lohri in Punjab,
Ghughutiya in Uttarakhand,
Magh Bihu in Assam,
Maghi Saaji in Himachal Pradesh,
Sakrat in Haryana,
Uttarayana in Gujarat,
Poush Parv in West Bengal and more.
Makar Sankranti is considered a harvest festival. It is a time when farmers express gratitude for the successful crops, marking the end of the winter harvesting season.
On Makar Sankranti, people take dips in rivers, perform prayers, they come together to fly kites, share festive meals, and participate in various outdoor activities.
In essence, Makar Sankranti is a festival that celebrates nature, the changing seasons, and the abundance of harvest. It brings communities together in a spirit of gratitude, joy, and cultural diversity.
