Makara Sankranti is a significant Hindu harvest festival celebrated across India and Nepal, marking the Sun's transit into the zodiac sign of Makara...
Makara Sankranti is a Hindu harvest festival celebrating the Sun's transit into Capricorn, marking the end of winter and the start of longer days. It symbolizes new beginnings and agricultural prosperity.
It is typically celebrated on January 14th each year, though occasionally on January 15th, based on the solar calendar.
Celebrations vary regionally but commonly include flying kites, lighting bonfires, taking holy dips in rivers, preparing traditional sweets like 'til-gud', and offering prayers to the Sun God.
It's known as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayan in Gujarat, Maghi in Punjab, Bihu in Assam, and Poush Sankranti in West Bengal, among many others, reflecting regional diversity.
It's considered auspicious as it marks the 'Uttarayan' period, signifying the Sun's northward journey, which is believed to bring good fortune, spiritual growth, and the onset of a new harvest season.