Makar Sankranti, celebrated on January 14th annually, marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara). This festival is not just about celestial movements; it's a grand celebration of harvest, traditions, and togetherness. Across India, the festival takes on vibrant and diverse forms, making it one of the most colorful and culturally rich events of the year. Here are ten places that celebrate Makar Sankranti with unparalleled zeal and enthusiasm.
Ahmedabad transforms into a kite-flying paradise during Makar Sankranti. The International Kite Festival attracts participants and visitors from around the globe. Colorful kites of various shapes and sizes adorn the sky, igniting the city with a buzz of energy. Special delicacies like undhiyu and jalebi add to the festive charm.
In Jaipur, the Pink City, the festival is synonymous with kite flying. Families gather on rooftops, enjoying friendly competitions. The markets overflow with kites and spools of thread in vibrant hues. The city's iconic monuments provide a picturesque backdrop to this colorful celebration.
Varanasi celebrates Makar Sankranti with devotion and enthusiasm. Thousands gather on the ghats of the Ganges to take holy dips and offer prayers. Chants and hymns fill the city, and floating lamps illuminate the evenings, creating a magical ambiance.
Telangana celebrates the festival as Sankranti Sambaralu, a grand three-day affair. Traditional rangoli (muggulu), bonfires, and bull races are highlights. Families prepare festive foods like pongal and distribute sweets made of sesame and jaggery, symbolizing togetherness.
Puri's Makar Mela is a unique blend of spirituality and celebration. Devotees flock to the Jagannath Temple to offer prayers and relish the special offerings prepared during this festival. The fair-like atmosphere adds to the joy of the occasion, attracting visitors from across the state.
West Bengal celebrates Makar Sankranti, also known as Poush Sankranti, as the harvest festival. The highlight is Pithe Parbon, where families prepare traditional rice-based sweets like pithe, patishapta, and payesh. People also take a holy dip at the Gangasagar Mela, held at the confluence of the Ganga and Bay of Bengal.
Tamil Nadu celebrates Makar Sankranti as Pongal, a four-day festival that heralds the harvest season. The second day, Thai Pongal, is the main event where families prepare a dish of sweet rice in new earthen pots. The celebrations also include bull-taming events like Jallikattu, which showcase the region's vibrant traditions.
Punjab celebrates Makar Sankranti as Lohri, a festival honoring the harvest of sugarcane. People light bonfires, sing folk songs, and perform bhangra and gidda around the flames. Special foods like sarson da saag, makki di roti, and rewri enhance the festivities, making it a warm and joyous celebration.
In Odisha, apart from Puri, the tribal communities celebrate Makar Sankranti with unique customs. Traditional dances, music, and fairs reflect the cultural diversity of the state. People prepare special delicacies like makar chaula (rice mixed with jaggery, milk, and banana) as offerings to the gods.
In Maharashtra, people celebrate Sankranti by exchanging tilgul (sesame and jaggery sweets) with the phrase “Tilgul ghya, god god bola” (Take sweets and speak sweetly). Nashik, with its famous temples and ghats, sees a large influx of devotees taking holy dips and participating in rituals.
Though celebrated differently across India, Makar Sankranti embodies the spirit of gratitude, togetherness, and cultural diversity. Each region adds its flavor to this festival, from kite-flying competitions in Gujarat to the serene rituals at Varanasi. Celebrating harvest and the sun's movement binds the nation in a colorful tapestry of traditions and joy.
So, whether you’re a kite enthusiast or someone seeking spiritual solace, Makar Sankranti offers a unique experience in every corner of India. Celebrate this season of abundance by exploring these vibrant destinations and immersing yourself in their rich traditions.
F A Q
Q1. What are the top places in India to celebrate Makar Sankranti?
Ans: Varanasi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Haridwar are among the most vibrant destinations to experience Makar Sankranti celebrations.
Q2. Which city is famous for its kite festival during Makar Sankranti?
Ans: Ahmedabad in Gujarat is renowned for its International Kite Festival, drawing participants from around the globe.
Q3. Where can I experience traditional Makar Sankranti rituals?
Ans: Haridwar, Varanasi, and Prayagraj are ideal for witnessing sacred rituals, including holy dips in rivers.
Q4. Are there unique regional customs during Makar Sankranti in different states?
Ans: Yes! Jaipur hosts spectacular kite-flying competitions, Kolkata celebrates with Ganga Sagar Mela, and South India offers special feasts during Pongal.
Q5. How do people in Maharashtra celebrate Makar Sankranti?
Ans: In Maharashtra, people exchange sesame sweets, fly kites, and participate in community gatherings to mark the festival.
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