Makar Sankranti Festival: When is it Celebrated?

Makar Sankranti is a very popular festival celebrated across India and in some other parts of the world. It holds great cultural and religious significance. The question asks about the specific month in which this vibrant festival is celebrated each year.

The festival of Makar Sankranti marks the sun's transition into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn). Unlike most Indian festivals which follow the lunar calendar, Makar Sankranti follows the solar cycle, which is why its date remains relatively consistent each year, usually falling on either the 14th or 15th of January.

Let's look at the options provided:

• December: While some festivals occur in December, Makar Sankranti does not.
• February: February is typically after the Makar Sankranti festival.
• January: This is the month when the sun moves into Capricorn, marking Makar Sankranti.
• March: March is much later in the year than the Makar Sankranti celebration.

Based on the astrological event it signifies and common practice, Makar Sankranti is celebrated in January.

Therefore, the month in which the Makar Sankranti festival is celebrated every year is January.

Understanding Makar Sankranti Celebration Details

Makar Sankranti is considered an important day because it marks the beginning of longer days and the sun's northward journey (Uttarayan). This period is considered auspicious for various activities.

• It signifies the end of the winter solstice.
• Many people take a dip in sacred rivers like the Ganges.
• Kite flying is a popular activity in many regions.
• Traditional sweets made from jaggery and sesame seeds (til) are commonly prepared and shared.

Revision Table: Makar Sankranti Facts

Additional Information on Makar Sankranti and Calendar

The fact that Makar Sankranti follows the solar calendar is quite unique compared to many other traditional Indian festivals that follow the lunisolar Hindu calendar. This solar basis is why its date is much more fixed relative to the Gregorian calendar than festivals based on lunar cycles.

The festival is celebrated with different names and customs across India:

• Pongal in Tamil Nadu
• Maghi in Punjab and Haryana
• Khichdi in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
• Uttrayan in Gujarat
• Magh Bihu in Assam

All these regional celebrations broadly coincide with the solar event in January.