Makarsankranti: Celebrating Harvest & Longer Days

How Makarsankranti is Celebrated in Different Parts of Country with Different Name

Makarsankranti is a festival celebrated in different parts of India with different names. It is a harvest festival that marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. The festival is celebrated on January 14th every year. Here are some of the different names and ways in which Makarsankranti is celebrated in different parts of India:

Pongal

Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu. It is a four-day festival that begins on January 14th and ends on January 17th. The festival is named after the dish of sweet rice pudding that is made during the festival. The word 'Pongal' means 'boiling over' or 'overflowing' in Tamil, which symbolizes abundance and prosperity. During the festival, people decorate their homes with rangolis, wear new clothes, and offer prayers to the sun god.

Lohri

Lohri is a festival celebrated in Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. It is a festival that marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days. The festival is celebrated on January 13th every year. During the festival, people light bonfires, sing and dance around the fire, and offer sweets and popcorn to the fire as a symbol of gratitude for the harvest. The festival is also associated with the birth of a male child and is celebrated with great enthusiasm.

Bihu

Bihu is a festival celebrated in Assam. It is a three-day festival that marks the end of the harvesting season. The festival is celebrated in mid-January and is also known as Magh Bihu. During the festival, people wear traditional clothes, dance, and sing Bihu songs. The festival is also associated with the worship of cattle and is celebrated with great enthusiasm.

Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is a festival celebrated in many parts of India, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. The festival is named after the zodiac sign of Capricorn, which is known as Makar in Hindi. During the festival, people take a dip in holy rivers, offer prayers to the sun god, and fly kites. The festival is also associated with the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days.

Uttrayan

Uttrayan is a festival celebrated in Gujarat. It is a two-day festival that marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The festival is celebrated on January 14th and 15th every year. During the festival, people fly kites, eat traditional food, and offer prayers to the sun god. The festival is also associated with the worship of Lord Vishnu and is celebrated with great enthusiasm.

Sankranti

Sankranti is a festival celebrated in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It is a four-day festival that begins on January 13th and ends on January 16th. During the festival, people decorate their homes with rangolis, wear new clothes, and offer prayers to the sun god. The festival is also associated with the worship of cows and is celebrated with great enthusiasm.

Despite the different names and ways in which Makarsankranti is celebrated in different parts of India, the festival is a celebration of the harvest season and the beginning of longer days. It is a time for people to come together, celebrate, and offer thanks for the abundance and prosperity in their lives.