Makar Sankranti/Pongal
Makar Sankranti, denoting the transition of the Sun into Makara rashi (Capricorn) on its celestial path, is celebrated as a festival for countless reasons and in myriad ways depending on the climate, agricultural environment, cultural background and location. A Sanskrit word in Indian Astrology, Makar Sankranti refers to the transmigration of the Sun from one Rāshi to another. Hence there are 12 such sankrantis in all. However, the Sankranti festival usually refers to Makara Sankaranti. Makar Sankranti is one of the most auspicious days for the Hindus and is celebrated in almost all parts of India in myriad cultural forms, with great devotion. Millions of people take a dip in places likeGanga Sagar and Prayag and pray to the Sun God (Surya).
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It is celebrated with pomp in southern parts of India as Pongal, and in Punjab as Maghi. Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated by Tamil people at the end of the harvest season. Pongal is a four day festival which usually takes place from January 13 to 16 in the Gregorian calendar i.e., the last day of the Tamil month Maargazhi to the third day of Tamil month Thai. It is one of the most important festivals celebrated by the Tamil people in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the Indian Union Territory of Puducherry and Sri Lanka.
