Page 13 - IN 2019 Jan Magazine

HIGHLIGHTS

Happy Makar Sankranti and Pongal

Makara Sankranti, also known as Makaraa Sankrānti (Sanskrit: मकर सङ◌्क◌्र◌ान◌्ति◌) or
Maghi, is a festival day in the Hindu calendar, in reference to deity Surya (sun). It marks the

first day of sun's transit into the Makara (Capricorn), marking the end of the month with the
winter solstice and the start of longer days.

Makara Sankranti is one of the few ancient Indian festivals that
has been observed according to solar cycles, while most festivals

are set by the lunar cycle of the lunisolar Hindu calendar. Being a
festival that celebrates the solar cycle, it almost always falls on
the same Gregorian date every year (January 14), except in some
years when the date shifts by a day for that year.

Makara Sankranti is observed with social festivities such as
colorful decorations, rural children going house to house,

singing and asking for treats in some areas (or pocket
money), melas (fairs), dances, kite flying, bonfires and feasts.

Many go to sacred rivers or lakes and bathe with

thanksgiving to the sun. Every twelve years, the Hindus
observe Makar Sankranti with one of
the world's largest mass pilgrimages, with
an estimated 40 to 100 million people

attending the event.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makar_Sankranti

How do you celebrate the

festival of Makara Sankranti?

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