Makar Sankranti is one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals, marking the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn). This festival, celebrated on January 14th or 15th each year, signifies the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days. It is a time of harvest, gratitude, and celebration across India, known by different names in various regions: Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Bihu in Assam, Lohri in Punjab, and Uttarayan in Gujarat.

The festival holds immense significance as it represents the movement of the Sun from the southern hemisphere (Dakshinayana) to the northern hemisphere (Uttarayana). This transition is considered highly auspicious in Hindu mythology, as it marks the beginning of an auspicious period. According to ancient texts, the six months of Uttarayana are considered the day of the Gods, making Makar Sankranti a particularly sacred time.

Makar Sankranti is celebrated with great fervor across India, with regional variations in rituals and customs. The festival is associated with kite flying, bonfires, special foods, and charitable acts. It is a time when people express gratitude to the Sun God for providing energy and light, and seek blessings for prosperity and happiness.

Makar Sankranti has deep roots in Hindu mythology and Vedic traditions. The festival is mentioned in ancient texts like the Mahabharata, where Bhishma Pitamah waited for Uttarayana to give up his life. The transition of the Sun into Makara Rashi is considered one of the most auspicious moments of the year, as it marks the end of the inauspicious period of Dakshinayana.

The festival is dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun God), who is worshipped for providing light, energy, and life to all beings on Earth. It is believed that performing rituals and charitable acts on this day brings immense spiritual merit. The festival also marks the beginning of the harvest season in many parts of India, making it a celebration of abundance and gratitude.

Makar Sankranti is considered an ideal time for new beginnings, spiritual practices, and charitable acts. It is believed that the positive energy of Uttarayana helps in achieving success in all endeavors. The festival emphasizes the importance of gratitude, charity, and devotion, reminding devotees of the interconnectedness of all life and the role of cosmic forces in our existence.

• Taking a holy bath in sacred rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, or Godavari before sunrise
• Offering prayers to Lord Surya (Sun God) during sunrise
• Performing charity and donating food, clothes, and other essentials to the needy
• Flying kites, which symbolizes reaching for higher goals and breaking free from limitations
• Preparing and sharing traditional foods like til-gud (sesame and jaggery), khichdi, and sweets
• Lighting bonfires (especially in North India) to celebrate the end of winter
• Visiting temples and performing special puja rituals
• Exchanging greetings and sweets with family and friends
• Offering til (sesame) and jaggery to elders as a symbol of respect and gratitude
• Performing pitru tarpan (ancestral worship) to honor departed souls

Makar Sankranti is associated with specific foods and offerings that have symbolic and nutritional significance:

• Til-Gud (Sesame and Jaggery): Symbolizes unity and the importance of sticking together in relationships
• Khichdi: A simple dish made of rice and lentils, representing simplicity and humility
• Sweets made from til, jaggery, and peanuts
• Fresh vegetables and seasonal produce from the harvest
• Traditional regional dishes like Pongal (Tamil Nadu), Puran Poli (Maharashtra), and Payasam (South India)
• Donations of food, clothes, and money to the poor and needy