Makar Sankranti, observed annually on January 14th, marks the Sun’s entry into Capricorn (Makara), symbolizing the end of winter and the beginning of longer days. This festival, celebrated across India, showcases the diverse cultural traditions of the country, with each region having its own distinct way of honoring the occasion.
In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti is called Uttarayan and is widely celebrated with kite flying. The skies become vibrant as people of all ages compete to cut each other’s kites. Ahmedabad hosts the renowned International Kite Festival, drawing participants and visitors from around the globe. Traditional dishes like undhiyu (a mixed vegetable curry) and chikki (a sesame and jaggery sweet) are enjoyed during the festivities.
In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Makar Sankranti is called Pedda Panduga and spans four days. The first day, Bhogi, involves burning old possessions to signify a fresh beginning. On the second day, Makar Sankranti, families offer prayers and prepare traditional sweets like pongal and ariselu. The third day, Kanuma, is for honoring cattle, and the fourth day, Mukkanuma, involves feasting and celebrating with the community.
In Tamil Nadu, the festival is celebrated as Pongal, a four-day event. The first day, Bhogi, involves cleaning and discarding old items to symbolize a fresh start. On the second day, Thai Pongal, families cook a special dish called Pongal using fresh rice, milk, and jaggery, allowing it to overflow as a sign of abundance. The third day, Mattu Pongal, is dedicated to honoring cattle, while the fourth day, Kaanum Pongal, is spent outdoors with loved ones, celebrating togetherness.
In Assam, the festival is known as Magh Bihu, marking the end of the harvest season. People build temporary huts, called Meji and Bhelaghar, where they hold community feasts. These huts are later burned in a ritualistic fire, symbolizing the conclusion of the harvest cycle. Traditional games such as buffalo fights and pot-breaking are a key part of the celebrations.
In Punjab, Makar Sankranti is preceded by Lohri, which celebrates the harvest of sugarcane and the end of winter. People gather around bonfires, singing traditional songs and performing the bhangra dance. Offerings like sesame seeds, jaggery, and rewri are thrown into the fire, symbolizing gratitude and the hope for prosperity.
In Karnataka, the festival, known as Suggi, primarily celebrates the harvest season. Girls dressed in colorful new attire visit friends and family, distributing a mixture of sesame seeds, peanuts, dried coconut, and jaggery as a token of goodwill and sweetness. Farmers also mark the harvest of sugarcane, an important crop in the region, with festive joy.
In Maharashtra, the exchange of tilgul—sweets made of sesame and jaggery—accompanied by the phrase, “Tilgul ghya, god god bola,” meaning “Take this sweet and speak sweetly,” is a unique tradition. This custom fosters goodwill and strengthens relationships. Women also host haldi-kumkum gatherings to connect with other women and celebrate togetherness.
In Odisha, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Makara Chaula, where people prepare a special dish using freshly harvested rice, banana, jaggery, and coconut. Devotees flock to temples, particularly the Konark Sun Temple, to worship the Sun God. The festival is also marked by cultural performances and community events that highlight the significance of a good harvest.
Makar Sankranti beautifully highlights the cultural diversity of India, with each state bringing its own traditions and unique essence to the celebration. As one of the most significant cultural festivals in the country, it symbolizes gratitude, togetherness, and the joy of a bountiful harvest. Despite regional differences in how it is observed, the festival fosters unity and spreads happiness across the nation.
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