Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival celebrated in India and Nepal, marking the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara). It usually falls on January 14th or 15th each year, depending on the Hindu calendar. The festival holds cultural significance and is celebrated with enthusiasm and various rituals across different regions of India.
**History:**
- Makar Sankranti has ancient roots and is believed to have originated as a harvest festival.
- It is mentioned in Hindu scriptures and is associated with the movement of the sun into the northern hemisphere, marking the end of the winter solstice.
**Facts:**
- The festival is known by different names in different regions of India, such as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Lohri in Punjab, Magh Bihu in Assam, and Uttarayan in Gujarat.
- One of the main rituals of Makar Sankranti is taking a holy dip in sacred rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, and Godavari, believed to cleanse sins and bring prosperity.
**Traditions:**
- Flying kites is a popular tradition associated with Makar Sankranti, especially in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
- People prepare and exchange special dishes made from sesame, jaggery, rice, and other ingredients, symbolizing abundance and prosperity.
- Bonfires, cultural performances, and fairs are organized in many regions to celebrate the festival with joy and enthusiasm.
**Significance:**
- Makar Sankranti symbolizes the transition from darkness to light, marking the beginning of longer days and the onset of spring.
- It is a time for expressing gratitude for the harvest and seeking blessings for prosperity and abundance in the coming year.
- The festival also promotes social harmony and community bonding, as people come together to celebrate and share festive joys with friends and family.
Makar Sankranti is a vibrant and joyous festival that brings people together to celebrate the beauty of nature, the harvest, and the arrival of warmer days ahead.
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