Makar Sankranti is a major harvest festival celebrated across India with joy, gratitude, and traditions. It marks the transition of the Sun into Capricorn (Makara Rashi), symbolizing the start of longer, brighter days. People celebrate this day with rituals, family gatherings, and festival activities that bring happiness and positivity.
1. Take a Holy Bath (Snan)
One of the most sacred traditions is taking a holy dip in rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, and Krishna. It is believed to purify the soul and bring spiritual blessings.
2. Offer Prayers to the Sun God
Devotees offer Arghya (water offering) to Surya Bhagwan early in the morning. Special mantras are chanted to express gratitude for energy, light, and the harvest season.
3. Prepare and Share Traditional Foods
- Tilgul (Sesame & Jaggery sweets) – Maharashtra
- Pongal – Tamil Nadu
- Ellu Bella – Karnataka
- Pithe – Bengal
- Khichdi – North India
Eating sesame and jaggery is believed to cleanse the body and symbolize the importance of togetherness.
4. Fly Kites
Kite flying is one of the most famous activities on Makar Sankranti, especially in Gujarat and Rajasthan. The sky becomes colorful with thousands of kites celebrating the arrival of longer days.
5. Decorate Homes with Rangoli
People create beautiful rangoli or muggu designs at the entrance of their homes to welcome prosperity and positive energy.
6. Worship Cows and Cattle
In many regions, especially in South India, cows are decorated, worshipped, and thanked for their contribution to agriculture. This is known as Mattu Pongal.
7. Participate in Community Feasts
Villages and communities organize special feasts where families come together to share freshly harvested grains, sweets, and traditional dishes.
8. Donate Food and Clothes
Donation (Daan) is considered very auspicious on Makar Sankranti. People donate:
- Sesame seeds
- Blankets
- Clothes
- Food and grains
Helping the needy is believed to bring blessings and good karma.
9. Light Lamps and Perform Evening Rituals
Homes are decorated with lamps, and families gather for evening pooja. Lighting lamps symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.
10. Celebrate with Friends and Family
Makar Sankranti is a day of bonding. People exchange sweets, wishes, and enjoy cultural programs, games, and social gatherings.
11. Enjoy Local Festivals and Fairs
Different states host festive fairs, folk dances, and cultural activities:
- International Kite Festival – Gujarat
- Lohri Celebrations – Punjab
- Pongal Celebrations – Tamil Nadu
- Gangasagar Mela – West Bengal
12. Cook Fresh Harvest Meals
Makar Sankranti marks the new harvest season, so families cook meals using:
- Newly harvested rice
- Fresh sugarcane
- Groundnuts
- Jaggery
Conclusion
Makar Sankranti is a festival of gratitude, joy, and cultural richness. Whether through prayers, delicious food, kite flying, donations, or family gatherings, every tradition brings positivity and hope for the year ahead.
