Makar Sankranti (मकर सक्रांति) is a major Indian festival which is celebrated in India, Nepal, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Sri Lanka around 15th January every year (वर्ष – Varsh) since ancient times. In India, this festival is known as Sankranti or Pongal (in Tamil Nadu). It is usually celebrated to mark the arrival of spring (वसंत – Vasant) in India as well as marks the celestial event of transition of the Sun (सूर्य – Surya) into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (मकर राशि – Makara Rashi). It also symbolize the end of the winter solace which makes the day (दिन – Din) last longer than night (रात – Raat). This festival also signifies the importance of time system and astronomy (खगोल विज्ञान – Khagol Vigyan) to ancient Indians who were a keen observer of celestial events.

This festival (त्यौहार – Tyohaar) not only has an astronomical significance but also for farmers (किसान – Kisaan) as commemorates the beginning of the harvest season and cessation of the northeast monsoon in South India. Apart from farmers, the festival marks the beginning of an auspicious phase in Indian culture according to the Hindu calendar. It is believed that any auspicious (शुभ – Shubh) and sacred (पूज्य – Pujya) ritual can be performed from this festival onward.

Makar Sankranti it is celebrated with distinct rituals in different (विभिन्न – Vibhinn) parts of the country (देश – Desh). People start their day with prayers, they prepare seasonal (मौसमी – Mausami) delicacies as a celebration of good harvest, cultural (सांस्कृतिक – Saanskritik) functions are also organized in many communities besides some other tradition (परंपरा – Parampara) like kite-flying etc.