Makar Sankranti 2024 will be, celebrated on January 14th, It is a vibrant kaleidoscope of diverse traditions and celebrations across India. This harvest festival, marking the transition from winter to longer days, is observed with unique fervor in various states, each adding its distinctive touch to the festivities. This is also one of the Foodie festivals in every region.
Makar Sankranti is celebrated in different regions in India with different names.
In the southern state of Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti takes on the form of Thai Pongal, a celebration of gratitude to the sun deity. The day begins with a ceremonial boiling of rice, jaggery, and milk, symbolizing good luck. The overflow of milk signifies abundance, and the cooked rice is offered to the sun god before being shared among the community. Traditional dances, music, and joyful exchanges of gifts among the generations add to the lively atmosphere.
Image Courtesy: the Statesman
In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti transforms into Uttarayan, the festival of kite-flying. Ahmedabad hosts the International Kite Festival, where the sky becomes a canvas of colorful kites, symbolizing the awakening of gods from their winter slumber. The celebration is accompanied by spirited kite battles, rooftop revelry, and indulgence in delicious Gujarati treats like undhiyu and chikkis.
Image Courtesy: Savaari
Punjab observes Lohri on January 13th, marked by bonfires, vibrant clothing, music, and dancing. This celebration signifies the end of winter and the onset of spring, closely tied to the rabi crop harvest. The festive menu includes gur rewri, peanuts, popcorn, gajak, sarson da saag, makki di roti, and til rice. Cities like Chandigarh, Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Ludhiana come alive with traditional dances like Bhangra and Gidda.
Image Courtesy: Tribune India
Bengal's Poush Sankranti is a day when farmers commence their harvest, and the celebration revolves around rice-based foods. Pithe, a delicacy made from rice flour, and payesh, a rice kheer with date palm jaggery, take center stage. Rural Bengal adorns itself with Alpana rangoli, and Lakshmi Puja is performed to honor the goddess of wealth.
Image Courtesy: Local Guide Connect
In Bihar, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Sakraat, and the festivities are incomplete without the indulgence in the traditional dish of Dahi Chuda. Families come together to enjoy this delightful combination of beaten rice and yogurt, symbolizing purity and prosperity. The air is filled with joy as people share this special treat with their loved ones, reinforcing bonds and spreading the warmth of the festival.
Image Courtesy: NDTV Food
Karnataka celebrates Makara Sankranti with Ellu Birodhu, where women share 'Ellu Bella' – a delightful mix of sugarcane, sesame seeds, jaggery, and coconut – with at least ten households. The day is marked by the Kichchu Haayisuvudu ritual, where farmers, dressed in colorful costumes, jump over fires to ward off evil and usher in prosperity.
Image Courtesy: Premruchi
Assam's Magh Bihu is a joyous celebration that spans a week. The festival involves unique preparations, including building huts called Bhelaghar and lighting bonfires (Meji). Traditional games like buffalo and cock battles, egg fights, and feasting on rice cakes such as til pitha and coconut pitha contribute to the festivities.
Image Courtesy: Hindustan Times
Uttar Pradesh observes Makar Sankranti as Khichdi Parv, with a tradition dating back to Baba Gorakhnath. People offer Khichdi to the Sun God and partake in almsgiving. The Baba Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur hosts a Khichadi Mela, showcasing the historical significance of this humble dish.
Image Courtesy: TV9 Bharatvarsh
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