Makara Sankranti is a significant harvest festival celebrated in various parts of India. Marked as the transition of the sun into the zodiacal sign of Makara (Capricorn) on its celestial path, the festival typically falls on the 14th or 15th of January every year. This day is considered especially auspicious as it signifies the arrival of spring and the beginning of the auspicious six-month period known as Uttaarayan in Hindu culture.
Dedicated to the Hindu god Surya (Sun), Makara Sankranti holds immense cultural and religious importance. On this day, people take a dip in sacred rivers, which they believe would purify their souls. The festival is associated with colorful decorations, lively fairs, kite flying, bonfires, and feasts. The feasts generally include rice, dal, and seasonal vegetables, which are first offered to the gods and then shared within the community.
In the state of Karnataka (KA), Makara Sankranti is marked by the exchange and consumption of a specific mixture called 'Ellu Bella', made of sesame seeds and jaggery. Farmers in Karnataka consider this day as the beginning of the new harvest season and perform rituals accordingly. They decorate their cattle and prepare Pongal, a sweet dish made from newly harvested rice. There are also grand kite-flying events organized across the state, fostering a spirit of community and fun.