Sankranti, also known as Makar Sankranti, is a vibrant and joyous festival celebrated in various parts of India. It marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn), symbolizing the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days. This auspicious day is not only significant astronomically but is also deeply rooted in cultural and agricultural traditions.

Rituals and Traditions:

1. Kite Flying: One of the most exciting traditions associated with Sankranti is kite flying. The sky becomes a canvas of colorful kites as people engage in friendly battles, trying to cut each other’s strings. The high-flying kites symbolize the spirit of freedom and joy.

2. Sweets and Special Dishes: Sankranti is incomplete without indulging in traditional sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery. Tilgul, a sweet made from sesame and jaggery, is exchanged among friends and family with the greeting, “Tilgul ghya, god god bola” which means “Accept this tilgul and speak sweet words.”

3. Pongal in the South: In the southern states of India, particularly Tamil Nadu, Sankranti is celebrated as Pongal. It is a four-day harvest festival where people express gratitude to the sun god, nature, and their livestock. Pongal, a special dish made of newly harvested rice, is cooked in earthen pots in a symbolic celebration of abundance.

4. Bhogi Bonfire: The day preceding Sankranti is celebrated as Bhogi, during which people discard old and unused items and light a bonfire. This ritual signifies the removal of negativity and the beginning of a fresh, positive phase.

Spiritual Significance: Sankranti is also a time for spiritual reflection and prayer. Many people take holy dips in rivers, especially the Ganges, to cleanse themselves of sins and seek blessings for the future. Temples witness a surge of devotees offering prayers and seeking divine blessings.