Makar Sankranti - 14th January - মকর সংক্রান্তি

 Makar Sankranti is a popular Hindu festival that is celebrated across India with great fervor and enthusiasm. The festival marks the transition of the sun from the zodiac sign of Sagittarius (Dhanu) to the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar) and is celebrated on the 14th of January every year.


The festival is also known as Uttarayan and is celebrated as the beginning of the harvest season. It is a time when farmers reap their crops and celebrate the abundance of nature. People thank the Sun god for the bountiful harvest and pray for a good crop in the coming year.


The festival is celebrated in different ways in different parts of the country. In Gujarat, it is celebrated as a three-day festival where people fly kites, prepare special dishes, and take dips in holy rivers. In Maharashtra, it is celebrated as a two-day festival where people prepare sweet dishes made of sesame and jaggery and take dips in holy rivers.


In the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Pongal, a four-day festival where people prepare special dishes, decorate their houses, and participate in bullock cart races.


In West Bengal, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Poush Sankranti and is marked by the exchange of sweets and visits to friends and family.


The festival is also celebrated as Maghi in the northern states of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, where people take dips in holy rivers and prepare special dishes like dahi bhalla and til laddoo.


In addition to the religious significance, Makar Sankranti also holds a great deal of cultural significance. It is considered an auspicious day to start new ventures, take a loan, or get married. People also believe that taking a dip in holy rivers on this day washes away sins and brings good luck.


In recent years, Makar Sankranti has gained popularity as a kite-flying festival. People of all ages participate in the kite-flying competitions and the skies are filled with colorful kites of all shapes and sizes.


Makar Sankranti is a festival that brings people together and promotes unity and brotherhood. It is a time for celebration, gratitude, and hope for a bright future. It is a reminder of the importance of nature and the role it plays in our lives. It is a festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy and continues to be an important part of our cultural heritage.


In conclusion, Makar Sankranti is a festival that holds great religious and cultural significance. It is a time to celebrate the bountiful harvest, thank the Sun god, and pray for a good crop in the coming year. It is also a time to come together with friends and family, exchange sweets and participate in cultural activities like kite-flying. The festival is a reminder of the importance of nature and the role it plays in our lives and it continues to be an important part of our cultural heritage.


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