Why Do We Celebrate Makar Sankranti? First Festival of the Year

Makar Sankranti is a unique festival which happens on the 14/15 January each year. It is the only day which is celebrated according to the solar calendar and marks the time when the Sun moves into Makara (Capricorn) constellation/zodiac or towards the North direction which is also known as Uttarayana.

This day signifies the change of seasons: the end of winter and the beginning of milder, warmer days. God Surya is worshipped on this day to thank the solar energy for life and food on our planet. The days become longer and sunrays stronger after Sankranti.

It is also the time of harvesting and people prepare special dishes from new paddy, coconuts and jaggery, exchange greetings with haldi-kumkum, fly kites and enjoy their time together.

Makar Sankranti is celebrated all over India and each region has a different name for the festival as well as its own customs and traditional delicacies!

We wish you and your family wonderful Makar Sankranti celebrations🙏