Makar Sankranti is the most auspicious festival of Hindus, celebrated in different parts of India. In keeping with the lunar calendar, when the sun moves from the Tropic of Cancer to the Tropic of Capricorn or in other words From Dakshinayana to Uttarayana in the Hindu month of Poush in mid-January, it commemorates at the begging of the harvest season and from one Zodiac sign into another is called Sankranti and the sun moves into the Capricorn Zodiac known as Makar, named as Makar Sankranti in the Indian context. The festival of Makar Sankranti falls on the fixed date that is 14th January every year.
The festival of Makar Sankranti, more to the point a harvest festival is also regarded as the beginning of an auspicious phase in Indian culture. It is said as the 'holy phase of conversion. It marks the end of an unfavorable phase which consistent with the Hindu calendar begins around mid-December. It is said that any propitious and holy ritual can be consecrated in any Hindu family, this day elapsed. Methodically, this day marks the beginning of warmer and longer days compared to the nights. In other words, Sankranti marks the termination of winter season and beginning of a recent crop.
Makar Sankranti is observed with great elaboration, along with distinct names and rituals in different parts of India . In the states of northern and western India , the festival is celebrated as the Sankranti day with special fanaticism and zeal. The importance of 14th January (day of festival) has been signified in the ancient epics like Mahabharata also. Therefore, apart from socio-geographical importance, this day also holds a historical as well as religious importance. As, it is the festival of Sun God and he is observed as the symbol divinity and wisdom, the festival also holds a never-ending meaning to it.
Makar Sankranti is known by various names and a variety of traditions are witnessed as one explores the festival in different states. In Uttar Pradesh, Sankrant is called 'Khichiri'. Taking a dip at the confluence (Sangam) of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati, by meeting three rivers in Allahabad , this city called auspicious on this day.
In Panjab, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as 'Lohri' and the next day it is celebrated as 'Maghi'.
In Bundelkhand and Madhya Pradesh, Makar Sankranti is known as 'Sukarat' or 'Sakarat'.
In Bengal, a big fair is held at Ganga Sagar where the river Ganga enters the sea.
In Andhra Pradesh, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as 'Pedda Panduga' as the meaning of big festival.
In Gujarat , kite flying is also associated with the festival of Makar Sankranti.
In Maharashtra , there is a custom to alter a sweet preparation called 'til-polis' as a symbol of love.
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