Makar Sankranti

The harvest festival marking the sun's northward journey.

Significance

Makar Sankranti marks the sun's transition into Capricorn (Makara) and the start of the harvest season and longer days. Unlike most Hindu festivals, it is tied to the solar calendar, so it falls on roughly the same date each year. It is celebrated as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayan (kite flying) in Gujarat, and Lohri around the same time in the north.

How temples may observe it

Temples hold special pujas honouring the Sun (Surya), and many hold community feasts. It is considered an auspicious time for holy dips and charitable giving.