Bhubaneswar, Jan 15: In the Indian Vedic tradition, the festival of Makar Sankranti is considered to be an auspicious one.

On this day, the Sun transits into the sign of Capricorn and starts moving from the South to the North Hemisphere, a phenomenon called Uttarayan. This period is considered to be highly auspicious to manifest something new in life that is in line with the planetary energies.

Sankranti means movement of the sun and Makar Sankranti is the most important of all 12 Sankrantis that fall in a year.

The harvest festival is celebrated with much enthusiasm across the country though its rituals and name vary. Pousha Sankranti in West Bengal, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Bihu in Assam, Uttarayan in Gujarat, Lohri in Punjab, Magh Bihu in Assam the festivities extend all over India.

Makar Sankranti is the time when people get rid of the old things in their house and buy new things, hoping the entire year is full of success, good luck and prosperity.

The festivities begin with cleaning of houses and early morning bath followed by decking up in traditional clothes.

Lord Indra, the God of rains and Lord Surya, both are worshipped on this day to seek blessings for a great harvest and happiness in the coming year.

From flying kites to eating khichdi or dahi-chooda, Makar Sankranti is a day filled with fun activities and relishing traditional food.

Foods made with rice, jaggery, sugarcane, sesame seeds, maize, peanuts among others are made. Gud Ki Chikki, popcorn, Til Kut, khichdi, undhiyu, and gud kheer, are some of the foods that are traditionally consumed during the festival.

There are many such rituals and celebrations across the country to celebrate this beautiful harvest festival that promises warmer and happier days ahead.

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