Samkranthi facts for kids
Makar Sankranti, also known as Sankranti, is a very important festival in India. It is usually the first big festival of the year, celebrated in January. People all over India enjoy this special day.
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What is Makar Sankranti?
Makar Sankranti celebrates the sun moving into the Makara rashi, which is like the Capricorn sign. This movement marks a change in the sun's path across the sky. It is a solar festival, meaning it focuses on the sun.
When is Makar Sankranti Celebrated?
This festival is celebrated every year on either the 14th or 15th of January. The date is set by the sun's movement, not the moon, which is why it usually falls on the same day each year in the Gregorian calendar.
How Do People Celebrate?
Makar Sankranti is a time for lots of fun and social gatherings. People celebrate with:
- Colourful decorations
- Melas (which are big fairs)
- Bonfires, especially in some regions
- Delicious feasts with special foods
It's a time for families and communities to come together and enjoy the start of a new season.
Different Names, Same Festival
Even though it's the same festival, Makar Sankranti is known by different names across India. For example:
- In Andhra Pradesh, it's called Pedda Panduga.
- In Karnataka, it's known as Makara Sankranti.
- Other regions have their own unique names for this special day.
No matter the name, the spirit of celebration and the focus on the sun's journey remain the same.
