Sankranti

Sankranti, also known as Makara Sankranti, is a Hindu solar festival that marks the sun's transit into the zodiac sign Makara (Capricorn). It occurs with the sun's northward movement, or uttaraayana, and typically falls on 14 January, though dates vary by region and year. The name sankranti means "transit," referring to the sun's movement.

Regional observances vary. In Gujarat the festival is called Uttarayan and is famed for kite flying. Tamil Nadu observes Pongal, a multi-day harvest festival featuring boiled rice with milk and jaggery. In northern India, Lohri is celebrated around the same time as a winter festival with bonfires and songs. In Bengal and parts of eastern India, Poush Sankranti or Poush Puja marks the harvest transition. Common festive foods include tilgul (sesame seeds and jaggery), khichdi, and pongal preparations.

Rituals typically involve offerings to Surya, the Sun God, prayers for prosperity, and family gatherings. The festival is associated with longer days and the agricultural cycle, signaling a favorable season for crops and new beginnings. While religious significance centers on solar transition, Sankranti is also a broad cultural celebration with regionally specific customs and foods.