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Sankranti 2024: How the Festival is Celebrated Across India & Know About its Significance!

‘Sankranti’ is one of the biggest festivals that is celebrated in various parts of India in different ways and cultural followings. Discover the various ways and their significance.

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How the Festival Sankranti is Celebrated Across India and Know About its Significance.png

India, a land of festivals, is home to diverse cultural celebrations, each marked by unique traditions and mythological stories. Among these, 'Sankranti,' also known as Makar Sankranti, stands out as the only Hindu festival based on the solar calendar, marking the sun's transition from the Southern to the Northern Hemisphere. This auspicious celebration holds immense significance, and as January arrives, several states in the country prepare for their unique harvest festivals - Bihu, Pongal, Makar Sankranti, and Lohri.

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Kite festival Gujarat

When to celebrate this year: Date and Time -

Makar Sankranti Punya Kaal - January 15, 2023 - 07:11 AM to 05:46 PM

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Makar Sankranti Maha Punya Kaal - January 15, 2023 - 07:11 AM to 08:57 AM

How this Festival is Celebrated?

The astrological configuration on Makar Sankranti, known as 'Maha-snana-yoga,' prompts various celebrations across the country. Many observe the day by bathing in rivers and lakes, especially at the confluence of holy rivers. Additionally, Makar Sankranti serves as a harvest festival, a time to express gratitude to Mother Earth as winter recedes. The exchange of presents, particularly 'til' (traditional sweets made with sesame), and feasts featuring dishes like green gram, rice, and jaggery were common during this period.

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Look into State-wise Celebrations:

1. Bhogi/Sankranti: Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

Telugu people in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana celebrate Sankranti as a three-day festival. Houses are adorned with marigold flowers and mango leaves, and rangolis featuring turmeric, sugar cane, pulses, and rice adorn front yards. Kite flying, cockfights, and bullfights are common, and traditional dishes like 'Chakkara Pongali' are prepared.

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2. Pongal, Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, the harvest festival, Thai Pongal, spans four days, with each day having its own significance. People thank nature for the harvest of rice, sugarcane, turmeric, and other cereals. Traditional dishes like Tilgul are exchanged.

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Pongal 2023: Best places to visit in Tamil Nadu during this auspicious  festival

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3. Makara Sankramana, Karnataka

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Suggi, the harvest festival in Karnataka, involves rituals like 'Ellu Birodu' where white sesame seeds, fried groundnuts, dry coconut, and jaggery are exchanged among people. Traditional prayers, wearing new clothes, and painting rangolis are part of the celebrations.

4. Makara Sankranti, Maharashtra

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In Maharashtra, Tilgul (made of sugar granules, sesame seeds, and jaggery) is exchanged during the festival. Women dress in black sarees and use sugar granules as ornaments.

5. Uttarayan, Gujarat

Gujarat celebrates Uttarayan or Sankranti with huge kite festival they have colourful kites, manjha (kite thread), and delicacies like Undhiyu.

Kite Festival 2024

6. Lohri and Maghi, Punjab

Lohri marks the end of winter in Punjab and northern Indian states, with traditional foods like Gajak and Rewri.

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7. Sakraat, Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh celebrates with a dip in the holy Ganges, a carnival in Allahabad, and kite flying. Traditional sweets like Til Laddoot and Gud Laddoo are savoured.

makar sankranti celebrations in u.p, khichdi parv - Festivals Of India

8. Magha Saaji, Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh celebrates Magha Saaji with traditional food like Khichdi with Ghee and chaas, marking the beginning of the harvest season.

9. Bhogali Bihu or Magh Bihu, Assam

Assam celebrates Bihu with dances, campfires, and traditional foods like Til Pitha and Laru.

Magh Bihu 2021: Date, significance, celebrations of Assam's harvest  festival - Hindustan Times

10. Sankranti, Bhuya Tribes Of Orissa

Odisha celebrates with zeal and merriment, featuring the Maghyatra where miniature homemade items are put up for sale. Traditional foods include Dhanu-Maun.

Odisha celebrates Makar Sankranti

11. Makar Sankranti, Uttarakhand 

Uttarakhand celebrates with charitable acts like giving Khichadi in charity, ceremonial dips in holy rivers, and the festival of Ghughutia or Kale Kauva.

Makar Sankranti (Kale Kauva or Ghughutia) - Uttarakhandi

12. Makara Vilakku, Kerala

Kerala celebrates Makara Sankranti as Makara Vilakku, focusing on the Sabarimala temple and offering prayers to Swami Ayappa.

Makaravilakku Festival Kerala, Makaravilakku at the Sabrimala Temple

13. Poush Sankranti, West Bengal

West Bengal marks Poush Sankranti with the Ganga Sagar Mela, a significant event where devotees take a dip in the holy waters and perform rituals.

Poush Sankranti 2023: Lip-Smacking Bengali Dishes That You Can Feast On

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14. Sakaraat, Bihar

Bihar observes Sakaraat or Kichdi with festivities similar to Uttar Pradesh, including a dip in the holy river Ganga.

Makar Sankranti Mela Bihar 2023 | Festivals in Bihar

15. Hangrai, Tripura

Tripura celebrates Sankranti as Hangrai, featuring grand feasts, traditional dishes, and a fair at Tirthamukh.

My Culture,My Tripura added a new... - My Culture,My Tripura

In conclusion, the diversity of Sankranti celebrations across India reflects the rich tapestry of the country's cultural heritage. Each state brings its unique flair to the festival, making it a truly joyous and colourful affair. As the sun transitions into Makara Rashi, marking the six-month Uttarayana period, Makar Sankranti remains a constant celebration of the sun's journey, bringing together people from all walks of life to share in the festive spirit.

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