Makar Sankranti is a major Hindu festival that is celebrated annually on January 14 or 15. It is celebrated in different ways across India, but the common idea is to spread happiness, love, and prosperity. 

Significance

Makar Sankranti marks the sun's transition into the Capricorn zodiac sign, the beginning of its northward journey, and the end of winter. It also symbolizes the start of the harvest season and longer, warmer days. 

Celebrations

Some ways people celebrate Makar Sankranti include:

Taking a holy dip in rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri 

Praying to the sun 

Flying kites 

Eating sweets made of sesame seeds, jaggery, fried grams, dry coconut, and groundnut 

Importance

Makar Sankranti is dedicated to the Hindu sun god Surya. It is also associated with the birth of Kalki, the final Avatar of the Hindu God Vishnu. 

Solar calendar

Makar Sankranti is the only Hindu festival based on the solar calendar.