Makar Sankranti: One Festival With Different Names

Jan 13, 2024, 09:34 IST

Pragati Awasthi

The ancient Indian festival, which is celebrated to mark the beginning of the harvesting season has various names and is celebrated in different ways across the country.

From Khichdi to Maghi: Here's how Makar Sankranti is celebrated in India

Uttar Pradesh (Khichdi)

In Uttar Pradesh, the festival commonly known as Khichdi involves ritual bathing in the holy water. People eat dish made from rice and pulses called khichdi after it's offered to the Sun God.

Tamil Nadu (Pongal)

In Tamil Nadu, the festival is known as Pongal and is celebrated by preparing the special dish of rice, and milk with jaggery (raw sugar).

Punjab (Maghi)

In Punjab, Maghi is celebrated a day after Lohri,  which marks the end of winter.

Assam (Magh Bihu)

In Assam - the northeastern state of India - Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu. It is one of the biggest festivals of the Hindu population in Assam.  

Gujarat (Uttarayana)

It is one of the major festivals of the Gujarati people around the world. Kite festival organised in various parts of the state is the major highlight of the celebration.

Uttrakhand (Ghughutia)

In Uttarakhand, Makar Sankranti is known as Ghughutia. People of the state celebrate the festival by flying kites, taking a holy dip, donating and eating khichdi. They also feed crows and birds on the occasion.

West Bengal (Poush Sankranti)

In West Bengal, the festival is known as Poush Sankranti, and people mark the festival by preparing mouth-watering sweets like pithe and pathisapta.

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