Makar Sankranti is celebrated all over India. It is celebrated differently from one state to another, and known by different names. In Gujarat it is known as Uttarayan, in Rajasthan it is called Makar Sankranti, in southern states it is known as Pongal, in Bihar it is known as Khichdi and Magh Bihu. The importance of Makar Sankranti is believed that Sun enters Uttarayan from Dakshinayan, after January 14th as the auspicious timing starts from this day onwards. It is also believed that Sun enters Capricorn to meet his son Shani. Bhishma Pitamah also used this day to sacrifice his own life.
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Makar Sakranti is also celebrated with generosity by donating to needy. Donation is very important part of this day. Food items like Grains, Rice and/or Money should be donated on this day as gesture of being thankful. Immunity weakens during winter months, But on this day when the sun comes to Uttarayan, the intensity of the sun’s rays starts to increase slightly, and our body becomes free from illness.
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Sesame seed ladoo’s, a special sweet is made with Sesame seeds and Jaggery, which are known as very beneficial and having nutritious properties. Khichdi is also cooked in some parts, it is made with Dal (Lentil) and Rice, also known to have nutritious properties.
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Crops are harvested and all the money comes to the farmer’s house. Celebrations are seen in different parts. Lori is celebrated in Punjab, by cooking and eating together around bon fire. In Gujarat, it is also celebrated as Kite Festival, people fly kites with great joy and enjoy a lot. This festival is celebrated on a large scale. In some houses, multi-grain khichda is made and it is enjoyed with curry. Khichda is hardy meal and it is importance for regain the our strength, due to cold winter months.Â
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People also, play many types of games in celebration. Some of the popular games are flying kites or taking part in kite festival as competitor, Or playing cricket or Gilli Danda, which is also played with a ball in some places. it is said that Lord Krishna also used to play with a ball, he used to play with a stick and a ball in his hand. So we offer ball and a stick to deity on that day.