The word ‘Sankranti’ refers to the sun’s movement in Capricorn. The sun enters the new astrological or the zodiac sign on Makar Sankranti.
Makar Sankranti is also known as Uttarayan and is considered to be quite auspicious, marking the end of winter and the beginning of warm days as the sun’s journey to the north begins.
Makar Sankranti is one of the major Indian festivals celebrated by Hindus all over the world.
For instance, it is called the Maghi or Lohri in punjab, Poush Sôngkrānti in Maharashtra, Goa, western Bengal, Sukarat, central India, Assamese Magh Bihu, Suggi Habba or Makara Sankramana in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Makara Mela in Odisha, Makara Jyothi in Kerala, Til Sankrant in Bihar, Hangrai in Tripura each region celebrates the festival with various names, rituals, and offerings.
Surya dev is worshiped and offered prayers on the occasion of the Makar Sankranti.
One of the most essential traits of the festival is the til seeds which are also known as sesame seeds these are widely used in most parts of the country
Sesame seeds were blessed by Lord Yama, the God of death, according to the legend, and thus these seeds are deemed to be seeds of immortality.
Sesame seeds are widely used during Makar Sankranti celebrations, from til ke ladoo, gajak to til chikki, and various other sweets are prepared from the seeds and are distributed among friends and family as per tradition.
Lohri
Lohri is an Indian Famous festival. this festival is mainly celebrated in Punjab.
Lohri marks the end of winter and is usually welcomed by Hindus and Sikhs during longer days and a journey of the sun to the northern hemisphere in the northern Indian region.
Lohri is celebrated the night before Makar Sankranti, popularly known as Maghi every year on January 13th Lohri is celebrated in india.
this festival is all about showing gratitude to god and dancing to the dhol beats, and celebrating life.
It is mainly celebrated in northern India, especially in the Punjab region.
black sesame seed, jagerry, peanuts and corn are harvested in this ritual.
It literally signifies the winter’s end and the spring’s beginning.
Pongal
Pongal is one of the biggest festivals celebrated in India and in Srilanka.
Pongal is mainly celebrated by people from Tamilnadu and Pondicherry.
This festival brings friends and family together to celebrate the auspicious day. The term “Pongal” literally means “to boil” in Tamil.
Pongal is also a famous dish that is prepared during this holiday season that is cooked with sweet rice and lentils.
Pongal is a four-day festival in Tamilnadu on the first day the harvesting of rice, sugarcane, turmeric, etc is held.
In honour of Lord Indra, the Bhogi Festival is celebrated the first day.
The second day marks a special practice in which rice and milk are cooked in an earthen pot to which a turmeric-based plant is attached ad offered as a gift to the sun (surya dev).
Along with sugarcane sticks, bananas and coconuts.
Pongal’s third day is known as Mattu Pongal. It’s in the name of the cows this day. The cattle are decorated with garland, balloons and bells offering gratitude to them.
Pongal’s fourth day is called the Kanu Pongal, which is the last day of the festival. This day is a ritual with the remaining Pongal sweet and other food on washed turmeric leaves, betels, and sugar cane, arranged in a courtyard.
Magh Bihu
Magh Bihu is Assam’s most significant New Year and Spring festival celebration.
A harvest festival with group festivities is the Bhogali Bihu or the Magi Bihu.
As with other Indian regions, Assam celebrates the festival of harvest in the name of Bihu.
Bihu and some other Indian festivals are related in particular to rice and to agriculture. Bohag Bihu is a festival of plants and crops.
The Bihu dance is a very significant part of Assamese culture and is performed by young men and women during the festival, and the style of the dance is distinguished by fast steps and quick motions of the hands. Wearing the traditional vibrant and red color centered dancing costume signifying happiness and vitality. It is a great pleasure to sit and listen to the Bihu’s beautiful songs and see the vibrant dance at the Bihu Festival and enjoy the celebration of a new year.