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Makar Sankranti 2024: Interesting facts about festival you probably didn't know

Updated On Jan 12, 2024 05:11 PM IST
  • Here are intriguing facts about Makar Sankranti, showcasing its diverse and rich traditions, making it a unique and culturally significant festival in India.
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Makar Sankranti, a festival celebrated across the country, will be observed on January 15 this year. It is known for its cultural and astronomical significance. Here are ten very rare and interesting facts about Makar Sankranti you probably never heard about. (HT/Sonu Mehta) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jan 12, 2024 05:11 PM IST

Makar Sankranti, a festival celebrated across the country, will be observed on January 15 this year. It is known for its cultural and astronomical significance. Here are ten very rare and interesting facts about Makar Sankranti you probably never heard about. (HT/Sonu Mehta)

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The festivities associated with Makar Sankranti are known by various names such as Lohri by north Indian Hindus and Sikhs, Sukarat in central India, Bhogali Bihu by the Assamese Hindus, and Pongal by Tamil and other south Indian Hindus.  expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jan 12, 2024 05:11 PM IST

The festivities associated with Makar Sankranti are known by various names such as Lohri by north Indian Hindus and Sikhs, Sukarat in central India, Bhogali Bihu by the Assamese Hindus, and Pongal by Tamil and other south Indian Hindus. 

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Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar). It is one of the few Indian festivals celebrated based on the solar calendar, and the date of the festival is fixed according to the solar cycles, unlike most Hindu festivals which are based on the lunar calendar. The other festivals that are celebrated as per solar cycles are Vaisakhi and Pongal.(HT Photo/Sameer Sehgal) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jan 12, 2024 05:11 PM IST

Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar). It is one of the few Indian festivals celebrated based on the solar calendar, and the date of the festival is fixed according to the solar cycles, unlike most Hindu festivals which are based on the lunar calendar. The other festivals that are celebrated as per solar cycles are Vaisakhi and Pongal.(HT Photo/Sameer Sehgal)

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Makar Sankranti is primarily a harvest festival celebrated across India, especially in the northern and western parts of the country. It signifies the end of the winter season and the beginning of longer days. (File Photo) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jan 12, 2024 05:11 PM IST

Makar Sankranti is primarily a harvest festival celebrated across India, especially in the northern and western parts of the country. It signifies the end of the winter season and the beginning of longer days. (File Photo)

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One of the most popular traditions associated with Makar Sankranti is kite flying. In many parts of India, especially in Gujarat and Rajasthan, people engage in kite flying competitions and celebrations. (PTI) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jan 12, 2024 05:11 PM IST

One of the most popular traditions associated with Makar Sankranti is kite flying. In many parts of India, especially in Gujarat and Rajasthan, people engage in kite flying competitions and celebrations. (PTI)

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Makar Sankranti is considered a highly auspicious day in Hinduism. It is believed that on this day, the sun god begins his journey to the northern hemisphere, bringing longer days and the auspicious period of Uttarayan. (File Photo) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jan 12, 2024 05:11 PM IST

Makar Sankranti is considered a highly auspicious day in Hinduism. It is believed that on this day, the sun god begins his journey to the northern hemisphere, bringing longer days and the auspicious period of Uttarayan. (File Photo)

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The festival is celebrated with various regional customs and rituals. In addition to kite flying, people take ritual baths in rivers like the Ganges and donate food, clothes, and other essentials to the needy. (File Photo) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jan 12, 2024 05:11 PM IST

The festival is celebrated with various regional customs and rituals. In addition to kite flying, people take ritual baths in rivers like the Ganges and donate food, clothes, and other essentials to the needy. (File Photo)

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Consuming sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery is a significant part of Makar Sankranti celebrations. These foods are considered auspicious and are believed to provide warmth and energy during the winter season. (HT Photo/Sameer Sehgal) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jan 12, 2024 05:11 PM IST

Consuming sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery is a significant part of Makar Sankranti celebrations. These foods are considered auspicious and are believed to provide warmth and energy during the winter season. (HT Photo/Sameer Sehgal)

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Cultural Performances: In many regions, cultural performances such as traditional dances, music, and folk songs are organized during Makar Sankranti. These performances showcase the rich cultural heritage of India. (Photo: Raajessh Kashyap) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jan 12, 2024 05:11 PM IST

Cultural Performances: In many regions, cultural performances such as traditional dances, music, and folk songs are organized during Makar Sankranti. These performances showcase the rich cultural heritage of India. (Photo: Raajessh Kashyap)

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Consuming sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery is a significant part of Makar Sankranti celebrations. These foods are considered auspicious and are believed to provide warmth and energy during the winter season. (File Photo) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jan 12, 2024 05:11 PM IST

Consuming sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery is a significant part of Makar Sankranti celebrations. These foods are considered auspicious and are believed to provide warmth and energy during the winter season. (File Photo)

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