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MAKAR SANKRANTI is one of the important festivals of Hindu religion which is celebrated with elation. The auspicous festival is celebrated every year on 14 or 15 January depending upon the solar cycle. People celebrate the festival by taking an early morning holy dip in the river Ganga and by offering prayers to the Sun as it is worshipped according to Hindu mythological tradition which states that the act washes away all sins and makes the soul pure and blessed. The word Makar Sankranti derives from two words Makar and Sankranti. Makar means Capricorn and Sankranti means transition, that marks the transition of the Sun in the Capricorn (Zodiac sign).The shift of the Sun into Capricorn is of divine importance. From the scientific point of view, from Makar Sankranti, the days become longer and the nights become shorter.
The main cuisine of this festival is a dish made of Til and jaggery that adds sparks to the festival. Kite flying is also a great part of the festival during the day the whole family enjoys kite flying and at that time the sky is filled with a lot of colourful and varied kites. Charity is also an important part of the festival. Donating wheat, rice and sweets to the needy and poor is part of the festival. Though celebrated with different customs and names, the ultimate aim of the festival remains the same throughout the country which is to spread prosperity, togetherness and joy.