Makar Sankranti:-

Makar Sankranti generally falls on January 14 and is a day of grand consequence as it signifies the commencement of propitious times. The start of the stage when the Sun proceeds northwards, is believed to be extremely constructive for propitious actions and events.

It is celebrated as Pongal in the South but in the North it is observed as Makara Sankranti or Uttarayana Sankranti. On this day numerous Hindus take a holy dip in the Ganges and other holy streams.

It is a very important day and the recently harvested corn is cooked and consumed for the first time on this day and offered to Surya and other deities. The deprived are provided with food, clothes, money, and so on in charity.

At the break of day, following the daily bath, people offer libations to their deceased ancestors and visit the temples. In Assam it is called Magha Bighu or Bhogali Bihu, the festival of banquets. In punjab it is observed as Lohiri to signify the conclusion of winter and arrival of Summer, sweets made of sesame, groundnuts, puffed rice and so on are poured into the fire and then consumed by the people. It is a time for gatherings, joyousness and cheerfulness as people enter into the spirit of the festival.