Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival that is celebrated in various parts of India. It is a time for people to come together and celebrate the start of the sun's journey towards the northern hemisphere, which marks the end of the winter solstice. It is celebrated on January 14th every year and marks the beginning of the harvest season in India. It is a time for people to come together to give thanks for the bountiful harvest, and to celebrate the end of the winter solstice. Many people participate in traditional activities such as kite flying, taking a dip in holy rivers, and making special dishes. It is also celebrated with different names and customs in different parts of India.
In India, Makar Sankranti is known by different names in different regions. Some of the most common names include:
Pongal in Tamil Nadu
Maghi in Punjab and Haryana
Uttarayan in Gujarat
Bhogali Bihu in Assam
Suggi in Karnataka
Shishur Saenkraat in Kashmir
Makara Vilakku in Kerala
Muggulu in Telangana
Til Sindoor in Bihar
Lohri in Punjab
Poush Sankranti in West Bengal
Tirmoori in Rajasthan
Each region has its own unique customs and traditions associated with the festival, but they all celebrate the start of the harvest season and the transition of the sun into the zodiacal sign of Makara.
Makar Sankranti is celebrated in different regions of India with various customs and traditions. Some of the most popular places to celebrate the festival include:
Gujarat: The state of Gujarat celebrates Makar Sankranti with the festival of Uttarayan, which is known for its colorful kite flying competitions. The city of Ahmedabad is famous for hosting the International Kite Festival during this time.
Tamil Nadu: Pongal is the most important festival of Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated with a 4-day festival where people prepare special dishes and offer it to their deities and exchange sweets with friends and family.
Bihar: Makar Sankranti is known as Til Sindoor and celebrated by applying sindoor (vermilion) on the forehead, and distributing Til (sesame) and Gur (jaggery) to friends and family.
West Bengal: Poush Sankranti is celebrated by preparing traditional sweet delicacies such as pithe, and offering it to the goddess of power and wealth, Shakti.
Assam: Bhogali Bihu is celebrated by preparing traditional dishes such as pitha, laru and Jolpan, and participating in community feasts and cultural performances.
Maharashtra: Sankrant is celebrated by taking holy dips in rivers and lakes, and preparing special dishes such as tilgul and puran poli.
Punjab: Lohri is celebrated with bonfires and songs, and people exchange sweets and greetings with friends and family.
Rajasthan: Tirmoori is celebrated by preparing traditional dishes such as dal-baati-churma and ghevar, and participating in community fairs and cultural performances.
These are some of the famous places where Makar Sankranti is celebrated with different names and customs.
There are many traditional dishes that are made to celebrate this occasion, some of which are:
Til Gud Ladoo: These are round balls made from sesame seeds and jaggery.
Pitha: These are sweet or savory cakes that are made from rice flour and are often filled with coconut or jaggery.
Chikki: This is a type of hard candy made from peanuts and jaggery.
Khichdi: This is a dish made from rice and lentils, and is often served with ghee and a side of vegetables or pickle.
Sweet potatoes: These are often roasted or made into a dessert called "aloo halwa."
Each region of India has its own traditional dishes that are enjoyed on Makar Sankranti, so the specific dishes that are prepared may vary depending on where you are celebrating the festival.
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