Makar Sankranti is a popular Hindu festival that is celebrated across India and Nepal. The festival is observed on 14th January every year and marks the beginning of the sun’s northward journey (Uttarayan) and the end of the winter solstice.

Makar Sankranti is also known by different names in different parts of the country, such as Pongal in South India, Maghi in North India, and Lohri in Punjab.

The festival is typically celebrated by flying kites, taking holy dips in rivers, and preparing special delicacies. The main dish of the festival is a sweet made of sesame seeds and jaggery called “til-gud” in Hindi, which is distributed among family and friends as a symbol of goodwill.

The significance of Makar Sankranti lies in the transition of the sun from the zodiac sign of Sagittarius to Capricorn (Makar), which is considered an auspicious time for new beginnings and spiritual growth. The festival also marks the end of the winter season and the beginning of the harvesting season in many parts of the country.

Makar Sankranti is a vibrant and joyous festival that celebrates the spirit of new beginnings and the abundance of nature. It is a time when people come together to share joy, food, and festivities with family and friends.

Pongal

Pongal is a popular four-day harvest festival celebrated in South India, particularly in the state of Tamil Nadu. The festival is usually observed in mid-January and coincides with the Hindu month of Thai.

The festival is dedicated to the Sun God and is celebrated as a thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. Pongal is derived from the Tamil word “pongal” which means “boiling over” or “spilling over,” and it refers to the overflowing of rice and milk in a pot during the Pongal ceremony.

The festival is celebrated over four days, with each day having its significance and rituals. On the first day, known as Bhogi, people discard old things and clean their homes to usher in the new year. The second day is the main day of Pongal, also called Surya Pongal, where people prepare the Pongal dish and offer it to the Sun God. The third day, Mattu Pongal, is dedicated to cattle and livestock, who are adorned with colourful decorations and given special treats. The fourth and final day, Kaanum Pongal, is a day for family gatherings and outings.

During Pongal, people wear new clothes, decorate their homes with colourful rangolis, and participate in cultural programs and sports events. Bull-taming, jallikattu, is also a popular sport during Pongal.

Pongal is a vibrant and colourful festival that celebrates the spirit of harvest and gratitude. It is a time when people come together to share joy, food, and festivities with family and friends.