Makar Sankranti is also called Uttarayana. Makar Sankranti consists of two words, Makar means “ Capricorn”, and Sankranti means “Transition” that means the movement of sun into a new orbit. The occasion is celebrated as the festival of harvest across the country. Makar Sankarti pooja is dedicated to God Sun.
Colourful decorations, singing and dancing, kite flying, and rangoli making are some of the popular and social activities that are performed on the festival of Makar Sankranti. It is also celebrated by preparing sweets made of jaggery and sesame.
Makar Sankranti is not only the festival of sweets and activities but also strengthens the familial bonds. It unite people across different regions, languages, and traditions.
Makar Sankranti is celebrated in different states. In Punjab, the festival is celebrated in the form of “Lohri”. On this occasion, families gather together and perform traditional dances, folk songs, exchanging warm wishes, and share treats like jaggery and sesame seeds.
In Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as “Pongal”. It blossoms into a four day festival, and each day has its own rituals and customs. Pongal comes from the Tamil word that means “To Boil”. According to the ritual, rice is boiled in milk and then first offered to the god.
In Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh, it is celebrated as Sankrant. In these states, Makar Sankranti is simply celebrated by exchanging til-gul, sesame seeds-jaggery. Til Ladoo and Gajak are the mouthwatering sweets on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.
During Makar Sankranti, taking a dip in a holy river is also considered as a tradition. It shows the spiritual connection and sense of devotion. The river Ganga is considered as the river of heaven. Many of the devotees take bath on the bank of the Ganga river on the day of Makar Sankranti.