Makar Sankranti is a Harvest festival
Makar Sankranti is a Harvest festival that marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn) on its celestial path. It is typically celebrated on January 14th or 15th each year and is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar.
The festival is celebrated in many different ways across India, with each region having its unique customs and traditions. In some parts of the country, people take dips in holy rivers or lakes to purify themselves and seek blessings from the sun god. In other regions, people fly kites to celebrate the arrival of spring and the end of the winter solstice.
One of the most notable customs associated with Makar Sankranti is the exchange of sweets and savories. People prepare special dishes such as til-gud (a sweet made from sesame seeds and jaggery), pitha (a sweet rice cake), and dahi-chuda (a sweet dish made from yogurt and flattened rice) to share with friends and family.
Makar Sankranti also holds great significance for farmers as it marks the end of the harvesting season and the beginning of a new agricultural cycle. The festival is also celebrated as ‘Pongal’ in South India, and ‘Lohri’ in North India, as it is celebrated to mark the end of winter and the beginning of spring.
In addition to its religious and cultural significance, Makar Sankranti is also an important social event, as it brings people from all walks of life together to celebrate. It is a time for families and friends to come together, share a meal, exchange gifts, and make new memories.
In conclusion, Makar Sankranti is a vibrant and joyous festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm and passion across India. It marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Makara and the end of the winter solstice. It is a time for purification, blessings, and thanksgiving, and is an important occasion for socializing and making new memories.
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