Makar Sankranti in India

Happy Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is celebrated with great spirits and harmony every where in India, though it is known with different names in different parts of India. A Festival of HARVEST, Makar Sankranti is the only festival which follows the Solar Calendar. This festival is celebrated on 14th of January every year and is one of the most auspicious days in the lives of Hindus.

Makar Sankranti in Tamil Nadu
Makar Sankranti is known as Pongal in Tamil Nadu. The day is celebrated as a Day of Triumph and the first harvest, (also known as Pongal) is offered to the deity on this day. In Tamil Nadu, a pot filled with cooked rice and adorned with turmeric leaves is considered to be a Symbol of Auspiciousness. Pongal is cooked in each house in Tamil Nadu during this day to offer the deity the first harvest during the Solar Month. Here's a recipe for Pongal.

Til-gul laddoos and flowers to be given to ladies during haldi-kumkum

Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra
Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra is in for a special treat.On this day, til gul laddoos are exchanged and everyone wishes each other, 'Til gul ghyaa and god god bolaa". What this greetings means is 'Accept these til guls and speak sweet words'. During Makar Sankranti Maharashtrians have haldi-kumkum festivity in their house. Flowers and til-gul laddoos are given to married ladies who are invited for the festivity. Some also serve snacks and masala milk on this occasion.  Til Polis are the specialty of Makar Sankranti.  Here's how to cook Til Poli.

Makar Sankranti in Gujarat
In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti is celebrated by a special Kite Flying event. During this period, the skies of Gujarat are adorned with beautiful and colorful kites of various shapes.

Makar Sankranti in Uttar Pradesh
Makar Sankranti in Uttar Pradesh is known as Khichri. People in Uttar Pradesh foolo a ritual of taking dip in holy rivers, which is considered to be auspicious. Atta Laddoo is one sweet that is cooked during this occasion. Click here to learn how to make Atta Laddoos.

Makar Sankranti in Punjab
Makar sankranti In Punjab is known as Lohri. A big bon fire is seen outside every household, and people offer sugarcane, sweets and rice to the bon fire as par to of the ritual. People gather together in groups and spend festive time. Pinnie is one of the sweets that is been cooked during this occasion. Let me show you how to cook Pinnie.

Makar Sankranti in Kerala
Makar Sankranti in Kerala forms an big occasion. Devotees who observe 40 days anusthana (fast) end it on this day in Sabarimala.