Sankranthi, or Makar Sankranti, is a prominent Hindu harvest festival celebrated widely across India. It signifies the sun's transition into Capricorn, marking...
Sankranthi commemorates the sun's northward journey into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara), marking the end of winter and the arrival of longer, warmer days. It's also a significant harvest festival.
Sankranthi is uniquely celebrated on a fixed date, typically January 14th or 15th annually, as it follows the solar calendar rather than the lunar calendar.
Common traditions include kite flying, lighting bonfires, preparing special sweets like 'til-gul,' decorating homes, and offering prayers for prosperity and good harvests.
The festival is known by different names and customs, such as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayan in Gujarat, Maghi in Punjab, and Poush Sankranti in West Bengal, each with unique local festivities.