Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival that is celebrated on the 14th of January every year. It marks the beginning of the harvest season in India and is a celebration of the sun’s northward journey. This festival is dedicated to the sun god, Surya, and is a time for people to come together and celebrate the abundance and prosperity of the new year.
Makar Sankranti is celebrated with a variety of traditions and customs. One of the most popular activities is kite flying, which is enjoyed by people of all ages. Bonfires are also a common sight on this day, as people gather around them to exchange gifts and enjoy traditional foods such as til laddoos and pitha. In some parts of India, people also take holy dips in rivers and perform puja to honor the sun god.
The festival is celebrated across India with different names and traditions. In Tamil Nadu, it is known as Pongal, while in Assam it is called Bihu. It is also celebrated in Nepal and other parts of South Asia.
Makar Sankranti has a rich history and mythology associated with it. According to Hindu mythology, this festival marks the end of the month of Margashirsha, which is believed to be the time when the sun enters the sign of Makara (Capricorn). This marks the beginning of the sun’s northward journey, which is a time of prosperity and abundance.
In conclusion, Makar Sankranti is an important festival in Hindu mythology that is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm by people across India. It is a time of celebration, prosperity, and abundance, and is a reminder of the importance of the sun in our lives.