Sankranti Festival Overview

Sankranti is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India, marking the arrival of the harvest season. It usually takes place in January, when the sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn, a time when farmers celebrate the harvest of crops like sugarcane, sesame seeds, and groundnuts.

The festival is known by different names in various parts of India. In Gujarat, it is celebrated with the famous kite flying festival. In South India, people celebrate it as Pongal. It is a time of giving thanks for the year's harvest and wishing for good health and prosperity in the coming year.

Traditionally, people celebrate Sankranti with bonfires, prayers, and feasts. Special sweets made of sesame seeds and jaggery are exchanged between families and friends. The festival brings communities together, fostering a spirit of sharing, joy, and unity.

How is Sankranti Celebrated?

The celebration of Sankranti varies across different regions of India, but some common traditions include:

• Kite Flying: In Gujarat and parts of Maharashtra, Sankranti is known for the kite festival. People gather on rooftops and launch colorful kites into the sky, competing to cut each other's kites.
• Bonfires: In Punjab, people light bonfires called "Lohri" to celebrate the harvest. People dance around the fire, sing traditional songs, and enjoy the warmth of the flames.
• Feasts: Special foods such as tilgul (sesame and jaggery sweets) and other traditional dishes are prepared and shared among friends and family.
• Religious Rituals: Devotees take holy dips in rivers, offer prayers to the sun, and seek blessings for prosperity and a good harvest.