One Festival, Many Names: How Makar Sankranti Is Celebrated Across India

Makar Sankranti is celebrated with unique traditions and names across India.

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Lohri

In Punjab, it’s called Lohri -- a time to celebrate the harvest with bonfires, dance and sweets like gajak and rewari.

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Uttarayan

In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti is Uttarayan, celebrated with kite flying and feasting on undhiyu and chikki.

Kind courtesy Khandani Rajdhani

Pongal

In Tamil Nadu, it’s Pongal, a four day harvest festival dedicated to the Sun God.

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Magh Bihu

In Assam, it’s Magh Bihu, marked by community feasts, building makeshift huts and traditional games.

 

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Sankranthi

In Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka, Sankranthi is celebrated by making beautiful rangolis, flying kites and eating delicious sweets.

Kind courtesy: Bhaskaranaidu/Wikimedia Commons

Khichdi

In Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Makar Sankranti is Khichdi, observed by eating khichdi with ghee and doing charitable activities.

Kind courtesy Yuv103m/Wikimedia Commons

Poush Sankranti

In West Bengal, it’s Poush Sankranti, celebrated with sweets made of jaggery, rice flour and coconut.

Kind courtesy Acoomar/Wikimedia Commons

Makaravilakku

In Kerala, Makaravilakku coincides with Sankranti, marked by the sighting of the sacred light at Sabarimala.

Kind courtesy Harhar2008/Wikimedia Commons
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