Pan-India · Mid-January · Kites • Sun • Sesame • Harvest
Makar Sankranti
Following the Sun — India's Great Winter Solstice Festival
Tags: Makar Sankranti · Uttarayan · Kite Festival Gujarat · Magh Bihu · Indian Festivals · Winter Solstice India
Around mid-January, much of India observes Makar Sankranti, associated with the Sun's transition into Makara (Capricorn) and the seasonal calendar.
Regional celebrations vary enormously — what looks like one date on a calendar becomes numerous regional traditions.
Regional Traditions
**Gujarat** — The sky becomes filled with kites during **Uttarayan**. Ahmedabad hosts the International Kite Festival.
**Maharashtra** — Tilgul (sesame and jaggery) sweets are exchanged with the greeting "Tilgul ghya, god god bola."
**Northern India** — Ritual bathing, charity and seasonal foods.
**Assam** — Celebrated as **Magh Bihu**, the harvest festival.
**West Bengal** — Poush Sankranti with pithe (sweet rice preparations).
The Kite Festival of Gujarat
Ahmedabad and other Gujarati cities transform for two days. Rooftops fill. Sky becomes a battlefield of kites. Cries of "Kai po che!" ("I cut it!") echo across neighborhoods.
The International Kite Festival attracts participants from around the world.