Makar Sankranti
- Makar Sankranti, a Hindu festival that is dedicated to express gratitude to the Sun God (Surya) is one such festival. Observed in the second week of January every year, people thank the nature for its abundant resources and good produce during the winter harvest festival.
- The festival, celebrated in different parts of the country in diverse ways, denotes the entry of the sun into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn) as it travels on its celestial path.
- The festivities associated with Makar Sankranti are known by various names such as
- Lohri by north Indian Hindus and Sikhs
- Maghi in Punjab
- Sukarat in central India
- Magh Bihu by Assamese
- Pongal by Tamilians
- Uttarayan in Gujarat
- Sakraat in Delhi and Haryana and many neighbouring states
- Saaji in Shimla District of Himachal Pradesh, Makara Sankranti is known as Magha Saaji. It is the Pahari word for Sakranti, start of the new month.
Context
- PM greets the people on the occasion of various festivals across IndiaÂ
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