Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival that is celebrated in many parts of India and Nepal. It is typically celebrated on January 14th of each year, and marks the start of the month of Magha according to the Hindu calendar. The festival is celebrated to mark the beginning of the sun's journey into the northern hemisphere, which is considered a time of great auspiciousness. The festival is typically celebrated with kite flying, bonfires, and other rituals and customs that vary depending on the region.
Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival that is celebrated on the 14th of January each year to mark the transition of the sun into the zodiacal sign of Makara (Capricorn). It marks the end of the month with the winter solstice and the start of longer days.
The festival is considered to be of great significance in Hinduism as it is believed that performing religious rituals on this day can lead to the attainment of salvation. People take a holy dip in rivers such as the Ganges and the Godavari, and offer prayers to the sun god Surya. The festival is also associated with the god Vishnu, who is believed to have emerged victorious over the demons on this day.
Makar Sankranti is also a harvest festival, celebrated across India and Nepal. it is usually celebrated in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Telangana, Orrisa and West Bengal. People prepare and eat special foods such as til-gud (a sweet made from sesame seeds and jaggery), pongal and other sweet dishes. Kite flying is also a popular activity on Makar Sankranti and can be seen in cities and towns across India.
It also holds a cultural significance. A special custom is that of taking a holy dip in rivers and then giving daan (charity) in the form of food and clothes. Giving to the poor and needy is considered to be especially meritorious on this day. Some rural areas also celebrates the day by lighting bonfires and singing traditional songs and dances around it.
In short Makar Sankranti is a festival celebrated with different names, customs and traditions across India, it holds great importance in Hindu culture and signifies the end of the winter solstice, the start of the longer days, harvest and the victory of good over evil.
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