Makar Sankranti, Magha Bihu: Saturday, January 14 (Restricted Holiday)

Makar Sankranti, Magha Bihu: Saturday, January 14 (Restricted Holiday)

Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm in various parts of India and Nepal. It marks the start of the sun’s northward journey, which is known as the Makar Sankranti. The festival falls on January 14 each year, although the exact date may vary slightly depending on the Hindu calendar.

In some parts of India, Makar Sankranti is also known as Magha Bihu. It is a time for people to come together and celebrate with traditional food, music, and dance. It is a time for making offerings to the gods and for engaging in charitable activities.

One of the most important rituals associated with Makar Sankranti is the lighting of bonfires. This is believed to signify the end of the cold winter season and the beginning of warmer weather. The bonfires are also believed to purify the air and bring good luck to those who participate in the ritual.

In addition to the bonfires, there are many other traditional activities that are associated with Makar Sankranti. These include flying kites, which is a popular activity in many parts of India, and participating in parades and processions that are held in honor of the festival.

Makar Sankranti is also a time for people to exchange gifts and sweets with their friends and loved ones. Some of the traditional sweets that are associated with the festival include til laddoos, which are made from sesame seeds and jaggery, and pitha, which are sweet rice cakes.

Despite the joy and celebration that surrounds Makar Sankranti, it is also a restricted holiday in some parts of India. This means that certain businesses and government offices may be closed on the day of the festival. However, this does not prevent people from celebrating and participating in the traditional activities associated with the festival.

Overall, Makar Sankranti is a time of great joy and celebration for Hindus all around the world. It is a time to come together with friends and loved ones and to celebrate the start of a new year and the end of the cold winter season.