Makar Sankranti, the first festival of 2023, is just around the corner, and the entire nation is anticipating and preparing for it. It is one of the few festivals celebrated with great fanfare and pomp throughout India. While it is known by different names in different parts of India, the Makar Sankranti festival is dedicated to worshipping the Sun God and marks the start of the harvest season.
Makar Sankranti is known as Uttarayan in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. While the entire city comes alive on this day, the celebration in Ahmedabad has a distinct charm that should not be missed. The city’s old-world vibe adds to the festive spirit, making it one of the best places to visit in India for Makar Sankranti. However, Gujaratis preparing the lunch includes traditional dishes like Undhiyo and Chikki.
In Punjab, People all over look forward to Makar Sankranti, or Lohri, because it marks the start of the new harvest season. People light a massive campfire the night before the festival, perform Bhangra, and enjoy meeting and greeting their loved ones. They also offer peanuts, til, to the burning residue as a sign of respect and good fortune.
Apart from witnessing the beautiful celebrations of local communities and Punjabi traditions, what makes Amritsar one of the best places to visit in India during Makar Sankranti is the opportunity to visit the famous, historic, and iconic Golden Temple, the holiest shrine for Sikhs, as well as the Wagah Border.
Among the many festivals celebrated in Rajasthan throughout the year, Makar Sankranti stands out. The vibrant celebrations in the state, particularly in the capital city of Jaipur, draw tourists from all over the world. The pleasant weather in January adds to the charm of the festivities, as the entire city comes alive, and you can feel the enthusiasm and zeal in the air. People celebrate the festival by flying brightly coloured kites, transforming the sky into a massive colour palette.
Madurai has to be at the top of the list when it comes to the best places to celebrate Makar Sankranti. Madurai, known for its Meenakshi Aman temple, is also well-known for its Makar Sankranti Festival, also known as Pongal celebrations.
The Jallikattu, a traditional bull-taming sport, is one of the festival’s main attractions. People travel from all over the state and abroad to witness this dangerous and unique sport. It has a special place in Tamil culture and tradition. It is an emotion and a sentiment for Tamilians, not just a sport. Aside from seeing Jallikattu, you should go to Madurai to try Pongal, a sweet dish made of rice, jaggery, and ghee.
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