Makar Sankranti: Traditions, Significance, and Celebrations Across India

• Makar Sankranti marks the sun's northward journey (Uttarayan), signifying new beginnings and the gradual end of winter.
• Celebrated around January 14th or 15th, its date is fixed by the solar calendar, unlike most Indian festivals.
• The festival is deeply connected to harvest, with farmers thanking nature; the sun enters the Capricorn zodiac (Makar Rashi).
• Special dishes like til ke laddu, gud ki mithaiyan, khichdi, and Pongal are prepared, emphasizing sesame and jaggery for warmth.
• Kite flying is a major attraction, especially in Gujarat and Maharashtra, believed to offer health benefits from sun exposure.

Why It Matters: Makar Sankranti is a vibrant harvest festival celebrating new beginnings, nature's bounty, and unity across India.