Makar Sankranti is known as Pongal in South India and as Maghi in North India. Know more about this enthusiastic festival.

Makar Sankranti is all about prayers, sweets, and kites. Festival of Makar Sankranti is celebrated with great zest in all parts of India. On the day of Makar Sankranti, The sun starts its journey to the Northern Hemisphere. Speaking from astrological perspective, the sun enters Makar rashi (Capricorn, the sun sign). Devotees take dips in the holy water and offer prayers to the sun.

Makar Sankranti is a blissful festival celebrated by Hindus. All enthusiasts step out of their houses and enjoy flying kites. Colourful kites fill the sky on the auspicious day of Sankranti. The significance of Makar Sankranti is greater in Maharashtra. People send greeting cards to their friends and relatives. The day is started by offering prayers to various deities. People visit temples to bow their heads in front of supreme power.

Makar Sankranti

In Maharashtrian households Tilguls are the attraction of the Makar Sankranti. Tilguls are laadoos made of til (sesame seeds) and gul (jaggry). People greet each other Happy Sankranti by saying Tilgul Ghya Aani God God Bola (Take the sweets and talk sweet words). Distributing sweets amongst your loved ones signify your love and affection towards them. Makar Sankranti is all about forgetting bitter moments in the past by giving sweets.

Pongal

In South India Sankranti is celebrated as Pongal. Pongal is the festival of harvest. This is three days long festival and it is celebrated in the month January. Pongal is a sweet rice dish that is prepared on the occasion of Pongal. On the first day Pongal and prayers are offered to Bhogi for providing rain for the harvest. On the second day Pongal is offered to the sun. Devotees also offer water and flowers to the sun and they pray for spiritual growth and prosperity. On the third day Pongal is offered to cattle in the house.

Lohri

Lohri is the grand festival in Punjab. It is celebrate one day before Sankranti. On the chilly night of January 13, relatives and friends in the house gather around the bonfire to enjoy themselves. People wear traditional and colourful outfits on this cheerful occasion. Food and dance are the attraction of the Lohri celebration. People do Bhangra, The popular Punjabi dance and sing Punjabi songs. Sarson ka saag and makki ki roti is usually served as the main course at a Lohri dinner. Sankranti, the next day of Lohri is celebrated as Maghi in Punjab.

Wish your loved ones by sending them Makar Sankranti e-cards with a personalised message on it. Being one of the important festivals amongst all Hindu festivals, Makar Sankranti is a splendid celebration. Hope this Makar Sankranti brings happiness and prosperity in your lives. Wish you a happy Makar Sankranti.

What is so special about the festival of Makar Sankranti? How do you celebrate Makar Sankranti? What kind of recipes you prepare on this day? To share your views and experiences, click here.