Discover Six Vibrant Destinations for Makar Sankranti Celebrations
Makar Sankranti marks a joyous harvest festival across India. People celebrate it with diverse customs and traditions. Each region adds its own colorful touch to the festivities. If you want to experience this festival in its full glory, consider visiting these six special places.
1. Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Ahmedabad turns into a kite-flying paradise during Makar Sankranti. The sky fills with colorful kites of all shapes and sizes. Locals call this day Uttarayan. They fly kites from early morning until sunset. The International Kite Festival also happens here. It attracts kite enthusiasts from around the world. The atmosphere buzzes with excitement and friendly competitions.
2. Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jaipur celebrates Makar Sankranti with great fervor. The festival is known as Sankrant in Rajasthan. People enjoy traditional sweets like ghevar and til ke laddoo. Kite flying is a major activity here too. The pink city's rooftops become lively spots for families and friends. They gather to fly kites and enjoy festive meals together.
3. Amritsar, Punjab
In Punjab, Makar Sankranti is called Lohri. It precedes the main day of Sankranti. People light bonfires in the evening. They sing folk songs and dance around the fire. Families distribute sweets like rewri and gajak. The Golden Temple in Amritsar holds special prayers and serves langar. This communal meal brings everyone together in spirit.
4. Kolkata, West Bengal
Kolkata celebrates Poush Sankranti or Makar Sankranti with a focus on food. The highlight is the preparation of pitha—traditional rice cakes. People also take holy dips in the Ganges at places like Ganga Sagar. They believe it washes away sins. The festival here emphasizes charity and community feasts.
5. Hyderabad, Telangana
Hyderabad observes Makar Sankranti as Pedda Panduga. It means big festival in Telugu. Women draw colorful rangoli designs at their doorsteps. Families exchange gifts and sweets. Children receive small presents and enjoy the day off from school. The festival fosters family bonding and cultural pride.
6. Assam
Assam celebrates Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu. It coincides with Makar Sankranti. The festivities include community feasts and traditional games. People build makeshift huts called meji from bamboo and thatch. They burn these huts at dawn. This act symbolizes the end of the harvest season. Feasting on rice cakes and meat dishes is common.
Why Visit These Places for Makar Sankranti?
Traveling to these destinations offers a deep dive into India's cultural diversity. You witness unique rituals and taste local delicacies. Each place provides a different perspective on the same festival. It enriches your understanding of Indian traditions. Plan your trip around mid-January to catch these celebrations.
Remember: Makar Sankranti falls on January 14 or 15 each year. Check local dates for exact timings. Respect local customs during your visits. Enjoy the festive spirit and make lasting memories.
