Makara Sankranti / Pongal:

Makara Sankranti is celebrated across India and Nepal with some regional variations:

India

• Punjab - Lohri
• West Bengal and Assam - Bhogali Bihu
• Gujarat and Rajasthan - Uttarayan (Kite flying festival)
• Tamilnadu - Pongal
• Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh - Sankranthi
• Makara Vilakku Festival in Sabarimala Temple

Nepal

• Tharu people - Maghi
• Others - Maghe Sankranti or Maghe Sakrati

Makara Sankranti is the day when the Sun-God begins its ascendancy and entry into the Northern Hemisphere. People commence their day by taking a dip in a lake, river, sea or pond and worship the Sun. However, in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, Pongal celebrations are spread over 3 days.

Pongal is actually a mixture of rice, sugar, pulses and jaggery. The most interesting ritual of the festival is the boiling over of a pot of Pongal. It is believed that through this symbolic gesture their homes shall be blessed with wealth and prosperity, so much that it overflows. Cattle are washed and decorated as part of the rituals and in some regions of Tamil Nadu another unusual ritual called the Jallikattu is held. Jallikattu is a wild bull taming sport similar to the Spanish running of the bulls, the difference being the bull is not killed and the 'matadors' are not allowed to use any weapon. An agitated bull is set free to run in an open space, post-which several people, empty handed, try to tame it by controlling its horns. The winner gets a prize, which is generally tied to the horns of the bull. In olden times the game was used by women to choose their husbands.

In Gujarat and Mumbai, people fly kites and worship the Sun. Delicacies such as Chiki (Sesame/Peanut bar) are shared whilst Kite Flying competitions are held by residential societies.