Makar Sankranti
Sankranti refers to the movement of the Sun from one Rashi (constellation of the zodiac) to the next. As a result, each year has 12 Sankrantis. The Makar Sankranti is considered the most auspicious of all, and it is one of the few Hindu festivals that is synchronized with the solar cycle.
On this day many worshippers bathe in sacred rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. Also, sesame and jaggery laddoos or chikkis, also known as til-gud, are offered to god and distributed.
While regionally Makar Sankranti is celebrated in different ways across India, there are common themes like celebration of the new harvest, showing gratitude to natural forces, and welcoming a new season of opportunities and positivity.
Makar Sankranti is an extremely auspicious Hindu festival and marks the first day of the Sun’s transition to the zodiac sign Makara (Capricorn). The festival is typically observed on 14th January each year and is dedicated to Surya Devata (Sun deity).
It is celebrated as the ‘Festival of kites’ in Gujarat, one of the many ways it is celebrated across India and around the world. The festival also marks the beginning of the harvest season when new crops are welcomed and shared with delight.