How Makar Sankranti is celebrated in different parts of India?
Makar Sankranti is a festival of joy, marking the end of winter and the start of longer, sunnier days. Celebrated on January 14th every year, it is a time for gratitude, bonding, and fun. As we look forward to Makar Sankranti 2025, let’s take a journey across India to see how this vibrant festival is celebrated in different parts of the country, including Punjab, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
1. Punjab: Bonfires and Bhangra
Ever wondered how Makar Sankranti is celebrated in Punjab? The festivities begin with Lohri on January 13th, where people gather around bonfires, toss sesame seeds, and dance the night away to lively bhangra beats. The following day, Maghi is celebrated with traditional dishes like kheer and sugarcane juice, bringing warmth to the chilly winter days.
2. Andhra Pradesh: Sankranthi and Rangolis
Curious about how Makar Sankranti is celebrated in Andhra Pradesh? Here, the festival is called Sankranthi and lasts for three days. Bhogi marks the first day with bonfires of old items, symbolizing a fresh start. On the second day, families draw elaborate rangolis and prepare delicious dishes like Pongal and Ariselu. On the third day, Kanuma, honors cattle with love and care, reflecting gratitude for their contribution to farming.
3. Karnataka: Sweet Treats and Togetherness
If you’re wondering how Makar Sankranti is celebrated in Karnataka, it’s called Suggi Habba. Farmers express gratitude for their harvest, and families share Ellu-Bella, a mix of sesame seeds, jaggery, and coconut, symbolizing harmony. Women exchange gifts and sweets, making the celebration even sweeter.
4. Gujarat: Kite-Flying Extravaganza
In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti transforms into Uttarayan, a massive kite festival. The sky fills with colorful kites, and families enjoy traditional dishes like Undhiyu and til laddoos. It’s a carnival that brings people together under the sunny winter sky. You can read beautiful kite stories to your little ones. Visit here.
5. Tamil Nadu: Pongal Festival
Down south, in Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti becomes Pongal, a four-day celebration. Families prepare sweet Pongal to honor the Sun God and decorate their homes with vibrant kolams (rangolis). It’s a time of feasting and gratitude for the harvest.
6. Assam: Feasts and Bonfires
In Assam, it’s called Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu, a harvest festival filled with feasts and fun. Temporary huts called Meji are built and later burned as part of the celebrations. It’s a joyful farewell to the harvest season.
7. West Bengal: Sweet Pithas and Holy Dips
In West Bengal, Poush Sankranti is celebrated with sweet pithas made from rice flour, coconut, and jaggery. Many also take a holy dip at Ganga Sagar, where the Ganges meets the Bay of Bengal, for spiritual cleansing.
8. Maharashtra: Tilgul and Sweet Words
In Maharashtra, people exchange tilgul ladoos (sesame and jaggery sweets) and greet each other with the phrase, “Tilgul ghya, god god bola,” meaning “Accept these sweets and speak sweet words.” It’s a beautiful way to promote harmony and goodwill. If you are looking for a guilt-free delicious treat, click here.
Makar Sankranti for Kids
For kids, Makar Sankranti is pure joy! From flying kites in Gujarat to munching on sweets in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, the festival introduces them to India’s rich traditions in a fun and interactive way.
One Festival, Many Traditions
How Makar Sankranti is celebrated in different parts of India showcases the country’s incredible cultural diversity. Whether it’s the fiery bonfires of Punjab, the colorful rangolis of Andhra Pradesh, or the sweet treats of Karnataka, this festival has something for everyone.
As Makar Sankranti 2025 approaches, which region’s celebration would you love to experience? And if you want to purchase beautiful ethnic outfits for your little ones, visit us here. Let us know in the comments!
