Makar Sankranti/Pongal: Celebrated in mid-January, this harvest festival marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn.

Makar Sankranti, also known as Sankranti or Pongal in different regions of India, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated on the 14th or 15th of January each year. It marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara), which signifies the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days.

Here are some details about Makar Sankranti:

Harvest Festival: Makar Sankranti is primarily a harvest festival that celebrates the abundance of the winter harvest. It is a time of thanksgiving for farmers and a way to express gratitude for the bountiful crops. People offer prayers and perform rituals to seek blessings for a prosperous agricultural season.

Cultural Significance: Makar Sankranti holds immense cultural significance in various parts of India. It is celebrated with different names and traditions across different regions, such as Uttarayan in Gujarat, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Magh Bihu in Assam, and Lohri in Punjab. Each region has its unique customs and rituals associated with the festival.

Kite Flying: One of the prominent customs of Makar Sankranti, especially in Gujarat and other parts of North India, is kite flying. Colorful kites fill the sky as people engage in friendly competitions and enjoy the festivities. The act of flying kites is symbolic of letting go of the past and embracing new beginnings.

Bonfires: Lighting bonfires is another tradition observed during Makar Sankranti, particularly in North India. People gather around bonfires, sing folk songs, and offer prayers to seek blessings and ward off evil spirits. The bonfires also symbolize the warmth and light of the longer days.

Special Food: Like many Indian festivals, Makar Sankranti is associated with special food preparations. The most popular dish during this time is called Pongal, which is a sweet rice dish made with jaggery, ghee, and various ingredients like lentils, cashews, and raisins. In other regions, people prepare various traditional sweets and delicacies using freshly harvested ingredients.

Ritual Baths and Charity: Taking a holy bath in sacred rivers or at the confluence of rivers is considered auspicious on Makar Sankranti. The most renowned bathing ritual takes place at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj during the Kumbh Mela. Additionally, people engage in acts of charity and donate food, clothes, and other essentials to the less fortunate.

Makar Sankranti is a festival that celebrates the transition of seasons, agricultural abundance, and the spirit of togetherness. It is a time when families come together, exchange greetings, share meals, and partake in various festivities. The festival symbolizes new beginnings, optimism, and the appreciation of nature's blessings.