One of the most auspicious days for Hindus is the day of Makar Sankranti. This festival is celebrated in different names and forms throughout India. The name Makar Sankranti signifies the day when the sun begins its northward journey and enters the sign of Makar (the Capricorn) from the Tropic of Cancer. You can also call it movement of Sun from Dakshinayana (south) to Uttarayana (north). According to solar calendar, Makar Sankranti is celebrated on the 14th of January every year. There are certain specific traits associated with this festival. People love to follow the tradition of kite flying apart from taking a holy dip at Prayag and Ganga Sagar. Devotees also worship sun on this auspicious day.
On the day of Makar Sankranti, day and night are of equal duration according to the solar calendar. This also symbolises reducing cold and onset of summer. According to history books, this day was celebrated by the Aryans as well. Even in religious scriptures like Mahabharata, you will find mention of this day as an auspicious day. According to Hindu beliefs, death on this day brings Moksha or salvation for the deceased.
Makar Sankranti is known by different names in different parts of the country. It is celebrated across the country. One will witness variety of traditions being followed in different regions. For example, in Punjab, it is known as Lohri that is marked by bonfire and public celebration. In Uttar Pradesh, Sankrant is called 'Khichiri'. On this day people from various places collect at Allahabad to take a dip at the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati known as Sangam. In Maharashtra, celebrations like til-polis and Haldi-Kumkoo are organized whereas in Bundelkhand and Madhya Pradesh the festival is known as 'Sukarat' or 'Sakarat'. In the southern region, it is known as Pongal.
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