Sankranti and Pongal - Kite - PixelsForCharity

Puzzle cube mural made on Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti and Pongal are among India’s most vibrant harvest festivals, celebrated with devotion and joy. Makar Sankranti, observed on January 14th or 15th, marks the sun’s transition into Capricorn, symbolizing longer and warmer days. People celebrate by flying kites, taking holy dips in rivers, preparing sweets like til-gud (sesame-jaggery), and donating to the needy. In Tamil Nadu, Pongal is a four-day festival dedicated to Surya (the Sun God), where families prepare the traditional dish Pongal, decorate homes with kolam (rangoli), and express gratitude for a prosperous harvest.

A unique aspect of Makar Sankranti is that it is one of the few Indian festivals based on the solar calendar, ensuring a fixed date every year. Another rare tradition in Maharashtra is the exchange of haldi-kumkum and til-gud among married women, signifying harmony and sweetness in relationships. These festivals highlight India’s deep-rooted connection between agriculture, culture, and nature, making them timeless celebrations of gratitude and renewal.