Makar Sankranti is another of India’s grandest festivals, known to tourists as the international kite-flying festival. However, the festival is more than just flying kites and is celebrated differently across the upcoming seven states of India.
When should you visit India to be a part of this grand festival?
Makar Sankranti is a grand festival celebrated on and around 14th January across the various states of India. In each state, the name is different, and so is the celebration.
Regardless of these changes, Makar Sankranti is an Indian harvest and thanksgiving festival, which states the beginning of spring, the end of traditional farming season, and the collection of the first food from the harvest.
Proper Schedule for Sankranti Tourism: India By Car and Driver recommends that you enter India at least three days before the date and stay three days longer after the festival. It is so that you can enjoy sightseeing in India and witness the festival in its full glory. Please enquire with our Tour Agent in India and find out the perfect Festive India Tour Package for you.
Be a part of the varying Sankranti celebrations throughout the Indian States
Maharashtra: People festive Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra by gifting each other Til-Gud (a local sweet) as tokens of fortune. A special greeting, “Til-Gud Ghya, Ani God-God Bola,” means accepting these sweets and speaking sweetly. The symbolism is to forgive, forget, and live as friends.
Gujarat: The festival is called Uttarayan in Gujarat, which we celebrate for two days. Day 1 is Uttarayan, and the next day is Vasi-Uttarayan. In Gujarat, people celebrate it with kites, Undhiyu, and Chikki. When in Gujarat, you will hear people screaming, kai po che, e lapet, phirki vet phirki, and lappet when people cut each other’s flying kites.
Andhra Pradesh: You will enjoy a four-day Sankranti celebration in Andhra Pradesh. Here’s what happens.
- On day one, people throw old things into a bonfire called Bhogi, and the day is called Bhogi Panduga.
- Day 2 is Pedda Panduga celebrated with prayers, new clothes, and inviting guests for feasts.
- Day 3 is Kanuma, extraordinary for farmers as that day farmers will showcase cattle as symbolism.
- On the last day called Mukkanuma, farmers pray for the elements, including rain, soil, and fire, for helping in harvesting. People eat meat on Mukkanuma.
Also Read:- How to Reach and Things to do in Andhra Pradesh
Punjab: Sankranti takes a turn in Punjab. The festival is celebrated with dance, vibes, and colors. Here’s what happens.
- Locals celebrate Lohri the night before Sankranti, also aka Maghi. The people sing folk songs and perform a folk dance around the bonfire.
- On Sankranti, groups of children go door to door singing the folk song.
- People exchange delicacies like popcorn, peanuts, or Rewri.
- Farmers start the financial New Year after Maghi.
Note: Now, we didn’t name the folk songs here, so you must find it out by going to Punjab, and we know you are curious.
Karnataka: Sankranti is celebrated here with an exclusive ritual known as Ellu Birudhu, where women gift Ellu Bella (a local dish) to at least ten families. Like Maharashtra, there is a special greeting Ellu Bella, Thindu Olle Maathadi, meaning to eat the mixture of sesame seeds and jaggery and say only well.
Kerala: Makar Sankranti is celebrated in Kerala most devotionally, where thousands gather to see the Makar Villuku near the Sabarimala Temple when the Makar Jyoti appears in the sky. Locals believe that Lord Ayyappa Swami shows himself in the form of the Jyoti and blesses his devotees.
Bihar & Jharkhand: You will witness a two-day celebration in Bihar and Jharkhand. Let’s see how we celebrate Makar Sankranti in these states.
- Locals bathe in rivers, ponds and savor seasonal dishes on day one.
The second day is Makaraat, when people enjoy special Khichdi, Achaar, Chokha, Papad, and Ghee. Are you excited to enjoy Makar Sankranti in India and travel around for enjoyment? India By Car and Driver offers excellent North India Tour Packages and South India Tour Packages. However, we have quality tour packages if you want to go to the west, east.
If you have any question regarding the Makar Sankranti in India: The Different Celebrations Across The States and Tour Booking, Feel free to call us anytime at +91 9829807074 or visit our official website for more tours and packages at www.indiabycaranddriver.com