Celebrating Makar Sankranti


Makar Sankranti is the only hindu festivals celebrated on a fixed day of the calendar each year the January the word sankranti literally means movement and the festival celebrated the sun journey into the northern hemisphere this period of time is considered to be highly ouspicios by those who celebrated it 

Makar sankranti is known by multiple names in west India it s know as makar sankranti in North India as lohri and south indian as pangal the festival is estimated to be around 2000 years old and makar sankranti the end of the winter solstice the point at whith day start to lengthen again 

How Is It Celebrated


There are lots of different ways to celebrate makar sankranti and these can vary thorough India the festival is usually makar with social festival such as dance putting up colourful decoration and feasting.

During this time money homes will be  decorated with Rangoli patterns made using colour rice dry flour colour sand or flower between relative as makar sankranti is a reminder to thankful to those around you in addition to this prayer of gratitude are normally said


Flying Kites 

Makar sankranti
Makar Sankranti flying kites



Flying kites is a tradition observed by many during this festival . Whilst it's a fun activity for adults and children alike , it also serves for Hindus as a metaphor for God holding the string of man . The turbulent push and pull of life enables the kite fly higher . This activity is considered by those who celebrate Makar Sankranti to be good for skin , helping to fight illnesses caused by the cold weather .


Goodwill and honouring nature 



Makar Sankranti is seen as an auspicious time to do good deeds , including donating items like clothing , blankets , rice and porridge to those less fortunate . Animals are honoured during this time , too . In India , cattle are dressed with paint , flowers and bells . They're allowed to roam free and treated to sweet rice and sugar cane .


Makar Sankranti sweets 

Makar Sankranti sweets
Makar Sankranti sweets



Across many parts of India , it's common for people to eat Sankranti sweets which are made from sesame seeds and a sugary base known as jaggery . The sweets symbolise affection and togetherness . Another delicacy is Paathishaapta , which is a kind of sweet crepe or stuffed pancake made with coconut and the sap extract of date palm trees .


What is makar Sankranti



On the day people thank the sun God surydev for a good harvest and offer the grain to him 


It marks the transition of the sun makar roshi or the zodiac sign of Capricorn


From this day the sun begin it's 6 month long journey towards the north also known as uttarayan it's considered an auspicious time makar sankranti is the harvest festival of India A it's also known as the Thanksgiving festival of India
Unique features of the festival is that it's always celebrated on January 14th


The importance of this day was highlighted during the mahabharat, when Bheeshma was intent to leave his body on this day


How is celebrated


It's celebrated in almost all parts of India and the celebration depend on the region


Houses are eleand painted and decorated and kolams Rangoli are made in front of the house


Many people take bath in holy rivers like Ganga, yamuna or visit holy places like kashi , prayag and pray to suryadev