Makara Sankranti marks the commencement of the sun's journey to the Northern Hemisphere (Makara raasi), signifying the onset of Uttarayana Punyakalam, and is a day of celebration all over the country. The day begins with people taking holy dips in the waters and worshipping the Sun.
Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival and a very auspicious event in India. The earth moves out of Dakshinayan and Paush month and enter Uttarayan and the Paush month. Makar-Capricorn,Sankranti- transition. The sun transits from Saggitarius to Capricorn zodiac on 14th January every year. It is believed that the sun meets his son Saturn for the month. Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Lohri and Maghi in Punjab, Pongal in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh and Bhogali Bihu in Assam. In Allahabad (Prayag), devotees take a dip in the holy rivers; enjoy the Khichri event and Magh -mela. A lot of pilgrims from all over India attend the Ganga Sagar fair in Bengal. Kite flying along with the Sankrant festivity that is pre dominant in Gujarat, has gained eminence internationally. Sweets, especially the (sesame) til -gud laddus are prepared in every house. People exchange sweets, pray for prosperity and forget past grudges. Pooja accessories, sweets, greetings are some of the gift products marked with corporate logo and used for gifting employees and promotions.

One month preceding Sankranti is called Dhanurmasam and is also an auspicious period. People wake up early, take bath and go around the streets singing devotional songs. Houses are whitewashed and farmers clean their warehouses. Colourful rangoli (muggulu) are drawn in the front yards of every house during this month. These artistic floral designs are drawn on the floor with rice flour or fine powder from limestone. These patterns are decorated with marigold placed on cow dung balls. Colourfully dressed young girls go round them singing songs.

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