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

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.

When to celebrate this year: Date and Time -

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

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.

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.

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.

ALSO READ: Recreate Your Dream Sabyasachi Outfit in Budget with These Best Ideas!

3. Makara Sankramana, Karnataka

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

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.

6. Lohri and Maghi, Punjab

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

ALSO READ: From Shah Rukh Khan’s Chaiyya Chaiyya To Aishwarya Rai’s Nimbooda, Know About Your Favourite Bollywood Songs Inspired by THESE Old Folk Songs!

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.

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.

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.

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.

12. Makara Vilakku, Kerala

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

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.

ALSO READ: From Alia Bhatt, Aryan Khan to Ibrahim Ali Khan, The Starkids who played Younger version of their Sister, Dads or Uncle in THESE Films!

14. Sakaraat, Bihar

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

15. Hangrai, Tripura

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

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.