Makar Sankranti, Lohri or Pongal is a very auspicious Hindu festival and is dedicated to Lord Surya. It is also known as the harvest festival and is celebrated in different forms and styles all over India. It is the only Hindu festival that falls on the same date every year. It signifies the beginning of the spring season and ushers in prosperity, happiness and progress.

In scientific terms, this is the time when the Sun enters the Carpricorn or Makara zodiac. It is very auspicious to take a bath in the holy rivers on this day. People from all over the country gather at the Sangam (confluence of Yamuna, Saraswati and Ganga) in Allahabad and also on the ghats of the Ganga. It is said that taking a dip in the holy waters on the day of Makar Sankranti cleanses all your sins. This is a time when the days get longer and the nights shorter. It seems like nature is trying to take us towards light signifying wisdom and thoughtfulness. It is a festival of success and progress.

Different indian states celebrate this festival in their own ways. In Maharashtra, women wear black sarees throughout the month and offer Haldi KumKum and Til gul ( sweet made of white sesame).

In Gujarat, kites cover the skies to welcome spring. It is believed that just like the kite, we should progress towards greater heights.

In Tamil Nadu it is known as Pongal. They make a sweet made out of rice, lentils and jaggery and bake it in huge pots and shout 'Pongal O Pongal'. In Rajasthan, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Makar Sankrat . Shimla celebrates Magha Saaja and it is called Suggi in Karnataka.

Fairs and melas take place during this time. The most famous is the Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years . It is usually held at Haridwar, Nashik, Prayag, and Ujjain.

Makar Sankranti signifies the beginning towards happiness and prosperity. It shows the unity in diversity that India has, with the colors and traditions highlighting our culture.

P.S. Happy Makar Sankranti!