Makar Sankranti Overview
Makar Sankranti is a Hindu observance and a mid-winter harvest festival . It is typically celebrated on the 14 January annually, this occasion marks the transition of the sun from the zodiac of Sagittarius to Capricorn. As this transition coincides with the sun’s movement from south to north, the festival is dedicated to the solar deity, Surya,and is observed to mark a new beginning.
Regional Names of Makar Sankranti
The festivities associated with Makar Sankranti are known by various names including Sankranthi or Peddha Panduga in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Khichari in Bhojpuri region, Magh Bihu in Assam, Maghi Saaji in Himachal Pradesh, Makaravilakku in Kerala, Makara sankranti in Karnataka, Maghi Sangrand in Punjab, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Maghi Sangrand or Uttarain (Uttarayana) in Jammu, Sakrat in Haryana, Sakraat in Rajasthan, Sukarat in central India, Uttarayana in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, Ghughuti in Uttarakhand, Dahi Chura in Bihar, Makar Sankranti in Odisha.
Makar Sankranti Celebrations
Makar Sankranti is observed with social festivities such as colourful decorations, melas, dances, kite flying, bonfires, and feasts. Many observers go to sacred rivers or lakes and bathe in a ceremony of thanks to the Sun. Makar Sankranti is a time of celebration and thanks giving, and is marked by a variety of rituals and tradition.