Makar Sankranti, also known as Uttarayan, is usually celebrated on January 14th, but this year, in 2024, it falls on January 15th. It’s a festival known for colorful kite flying. On this auspicious day, black sesame seeds(kala til) bear immense importance, yet in their absence, offering white sesame seeds(saphed til), linked to Lord Surya (the Sun God), is believed to bring blessings of happiness and prosperity into homes. This festival is marked by kite-flying and the delightful taste of “til ke laddu” enjoyed by everyone.
Makar Sankranti marks the beginning of the harvest season and the arrival of spring. People share sweets and treats to show it’s time to let go of old grudges. This festive occasion embodies a spirit of love, happiness, and togetherness, encouraging everyone to embrace unity and celebrate the joy of coming together with loved ones.
Makar Sankranti 2024
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Ahmedabad stands out as the top spot for this festival. The city lights up with vibrant kites soaring against the January skies, adding to its timeless charm. Everywhere you look, kites of various shapes, sizes, and colors fill the air, creating a mesmerizing scene. Plus, it’s the perfect time to savor local delicacies like undhiyo(a flavorful dish made from roots, beans, and vegetables), adding an extra layer of joy to the celebration.
Jaipur, Rajasthan
Rajasthan stands out as one of India’s premier winter destinations, with Jaipur being a gem among cities. Often referred to as the Pink City, Jaipur has historical charm, diverse art, and impressive architecture. The city hosts various festivals, including Teej, the Elephant Festival, and the International Kite Festival. Makar Sankranti, a well-known Indian festival, is popular in Jaipur. January brings pleasant weather, and the city comes alive with different kites flying through the sky, creating a cheerful atmosphere.
Vadodara, Gujarat
Vadodara is a fantastic destination for an extraordinary display of kite-flying festivities during Makar Sankranti. The entire state of Gujarat embraces the festive spirit during the Uttarayan festival. The locals of Vadodara take pride in showcasing their creativity through unique and decorative kites. From traditional designs to innovative creations, the skies above Vadodara become a canvas of colorful and detailed kite patterns. The festival becomes a showcase of impressive kite-flying skills, with enthusiasts demonstrating their expertise from rooftops across the city. Kite flying takes center stage, and the city transforms into a “city of kites” on this special day.
Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Haridwar, a great religious destination, becomes even more enchanting in winter, especially during Makar Sankranti. This auspicious day for Hindus is celebrated in Haridwar, where the Ganga aarti, already breathtaking, becomes even more spectacular during the festival and people offer Khichadi(a blend of rice and pulses) and take ceremonial dips in holy rivers. Haridwar, situated in Uttarakhand, is renowned as one of India’s holiest cities. The Makar Sankranti festival in Haridwar includes the unmissable Ganga Aarti at the Ganga Ghat in the evenings.
Guwahati, Assam
Guwahati celebrates Makar Sankranti as Magh Bihu with community gatherings and lively events, signaling the start of a new season. They light big fires using wood, bamboo, and hay to show winter’s end. This vibrant celebration offers a unique glimpse into the festival, making Guwahati a wonderful place to witness Makar Sankranti in its delightful way.
Amritsar, Punjab
Makar Sankranti is joyously celebrated in Amritsar, where the vibrant Punjab culture takes center stage. The traditional Bhangra dance becomes an integral part of the festivities. Adorned in traditional attire, locals joyfully engage in Bhangra, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the dhol, creating an atmosphere filled with energy and enthusiasm. As part of the celebration, people step out of their homes to exchange delightful offerings such as jaggery, peanuts, and sesame(til) sweets. A visit to the magnificent Golden Temple is a must and taking a holy dip in its waters is considered auspicious.
Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Madurai stands out as a top destination for celebrating Makar Sankranti. Renowned for the ancient Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai is equally famous for its Makar Sankranti Festival, locally known as Pongal celebrations. A major highlight during the festival is Jallikattu, a traditional bull-taming sport. Visitors from across the state and beyond come to witness this unique and daring event, deeply rooted in local traditions and Tamil customs. For Tamilians, Jallikattu is not merely a sport but an emotion and a sentiment. In addition to experiencing Jallikattu, a must-try in Madurai is a delightful sweet dish crafted from rice, jaggery, and ghee. This city offers a perfect blend of cultural richness, traditional festivities, and culinary delights during the Makar Sankranti celebrations.
Makar Sankranti shares similarities with the Western tradition of Thanksgiving. Just as Thanksgiving celebrates the harvest and brings hope and prosperity, Makar Sankranti does the same. It’s a time when people gather with their loved ones to celebrate together.
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