Sankranti also called ‘Makar Sankranti’ is a festival celebrating the beginning of the harvesting season in India. It is celebrated almost all over the country, especially in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. In Andhra Pradesh, the Makara Sankranti is celebrated for three days. During this time, the cultural supremacy of the state comes to the forefront as every place in Andhra Pradesh reflects the festive spirit.
Why is Makar Sankranti Celebrated?
Makar Sankranti kite festival is dedicated to Lord Sun. This day is also referred to as a specific solar day as per the Hindu Calendar. On this day, the sun enters Capricorn, the zodiac sign, also called Makar. This marks the end of winter season and the beginning of longer days. This is also the start of Magh month. To compensate for the difference that occurs due to the revolution around the sun, every 80 years the day of Sankranti is delayed by one day.
From this auspicious day, the sun commences its northward journey or Uttarayan journey. Thus, Makar Sankranti is also called Uttarayan. To celebrate, farmers in India wish for a good harvest.
How is Makar Sankranti Celebrated?
The typical celebration of the ‘Makar Sankranti’ takes place for three days. All houses are decorated. Guests and in laws are invited and sweets are given out to all. People dress themselves up as characters from mythology. The first day, that is Bhogi Panduga , people burn all the old articles. The second day, Pedda Panduga is the Sankranti day when the big festival is held. People are dressed in new clothes and pray to God. There are also feasts arranged for the guests. Cock fighting was a favorite game during the Makar Sankranti, but it is now banned in Andhra Pradesh. The third day, the Kanuma Panduga is the day for having meat after excessive sweets.
To clarify, different states in India celebrate Makar Sankranti by different names –
- Punjab – Lohri
- Bihar and Uttar Pradesh – Khichdi or Festival of Donation
- Tamil Nadu – Pongal
- Gujarat – Kite Festival
Time for celebrating Makar Sankranti
Time for celebrating the Makar Sankranti is usually in January, around the 14th of the month. It is celebrated in the month of Magh.
Makar Sankranti 2023 Date
This festival will be celebrated on 15th January 2023. If you want to be a part of this festival, book well-curated tour packages with Indian Holiday today for hassle-free tour.
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