Makar sankranti, one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India is observed in various ways across different regions of the country. The day, January 14 signifies the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of ‘Capricon’ and brings together various communities. The diversity of the festival lies in the unique customs, foods, and rituals in each region. This festival marks the end of winter and the beginning of longer days. Here’s a list of how different states celebrate this day:
Punjab (Lohri)
Lohri is widely celebrated in Punjab and Haryana on the eve of Makar Sankranti, on January 13. Sikhs and Hindus across India celebrate Lohri with grandeur and enthusiasm. Bonfires are lit, til (sesame seeds) & jaggery is offered to the fire with people dancing to traditional songs alongside the holy fire.
Gujarat (Uttarayan)
Makar Sankranti, popularly known as Uttarayan, is celebrated in Gujarat and Rajasthan with thousands of people flying kites on this day. People also enjoy special dishes like Undhiyu, Tilgur, Khichdi on this day.
Maharashtra (Makar Sankranti)
Maharashtra celebrates Makar Sankranti with great enthusiasm, exchange Tilgur, prepared from sesame seeds and jaggery and other sweets among each other. Makar Sankranti is a pan India festival which marks the beginning of the harvest season.
Tamil Nadu (Pongal)
In Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Pongal. Dedicated to Sun God, this is multi-day festival that spans four days from January 14 to 7. The traditional Pongal Dish pepared from newly harvested rice, jaggery, and milk is the highlight of this festival.
Karnataka (Sugi Habba)
In Karnataka, the celebration of Sugi Habba is very similar to Makar Sankranti. The Special dish ‘ellu-bella,’ a mixture of coconut, jaggery, and sesame is enjoyed on this festival.
West Bengal (Poush Sankranti)
Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Poush Sankranti in West Bengal. Traditional sweets like pithe (rice cakes filled with jaggery and coconut) are prepared on this day. People mark the festival by taking holy dip in the Ganga river.
Uttar Pradesh And Bihar (Khichdi)
In Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, people cook khichdi, a dish made from rice, lentils and offer it to the gods.
Assam (Magh Bihu)
Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Magh Bihu in Assam. The festival marks the beginning of new harvesting season. People light bonfires, sing folk songs, perform Bihu, and prepare traditional foods like pithas (sweet rice cakes) on this day.
Odisha (Mahara Chaula)
In Odisha, Mahara Chaula is celebrated by offering the gods with newly cultivated grains, fruits, and sweets. People enjoy this day by eating dishes like mahara chaula.
Jammu And Kashmir (Shishur Sankrant)
The Kashmiris celebrate Shishur Sankranti or Makar Sankranti with traditional rituals and cuisine.
