The auspicious festival of Makar Sankranti, celebrated in January every year. The festival is dedicated to the Sun God.
Its Importance:
The festival, which marks the onset of summer and the six-month-long auspicious period for Hindus known as Uttaarayan, is observed according to the solar cycles. The festival is celebrated as Sukarat in Central India, Bihu in Assam, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, and Makar Sankranti in Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and the neighboring regions.
On the day of Makar Sankranti, various spiritual practices are observed. It is common for people to take a holy dip in rivers like Kaveri and Ganga, and it is generally believed that doing so would absolve them of their past sins. However, owing to the pandemic, restrictions are expected to be observed in many parts of the country.
People also pray to the sun and thank them for their successes and prosperity. They celebrate the festival by flying kites.
