New Delhi: Makar Sankranti also known as the festival of kites is celebrated every year in the month of January. There are many names for it, depending upon the culture, the ritual, the origin, and of course the people.

The festival is known as Uttarayana in Gujarat, Maghi in Punjab and Haryana, and Pongal in a southern state like Tamil Nadu.

When to celebrate?

According to Drik Panchang, this year Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on the 15th of January 2023. As per the Gregorian calendar, the date is fixed according to the annual movement of the Lord Sun. On the other hand, it is said that the Sun travels from Dhanu to Makara this year on the festival day.

Meanwhile, the Maha Punya Kaal is said to be in between 7:15 AM to 9:00 AM. and the Makar Sankranti Punya Kaal is between 7:15 AM to 5:46 PM.

Significance of the Festival:

Makar Sankranti specifically marks the transformation in the position of the Sun towards the Northern Hemisphere. It also indicates that the winter season is coming to an end.

In the Hindu community, people celebrate this festival while worshipping Lord Sun for existing and nourishing life on Earth. According to them, God Sun, or Surya Devta changes its position and moves towards the Capricorn zodiac and this makes it more special for the day.

Meanwhile, in other regions, the festival is considered auspicious and marked it important as they celebrate it as a harvest festival.

Festivals are the reasons people from different localities or regions come together and share happiness, Makar Sankranti is one such.