Makar Sankranti is observed and celebrated throughout India by all communities but with slight variations in the festivities.
Uttar Pradesh
In Uttar Pradesh, Sankranti is called ‘Khichiri’. It is an important bathing date during the famous Magh Mela and Kumbh Mela at Sangam (Prayag) in Allahabad.
West Bengal
It is known as Gangasagar Mela in Bengal and on this particular day people come from all over India for a ceremonial cleansing in the riverHooghly, near Kolkata.
Tamil Nadu
In Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti is known by the name of ‘Pongal’. It is very popular particularly amongst farmers. Rice and pulses cooked together in ghee and milk is offered to the family deity after the ritual worship.
Andhra Pradesh
In Andhra Pradesh, it is celebrated as a three-day harvest festival, known as Sankranthi.
Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, on the Sankranti day, people exchange multi-colored tilguds made from til (sesame seeds) and sugar and til-ladoos made from til and jaggery.
Assam
Bhogali Bihu is celebrated on the day in Assam.
Punjab
In Punjab where December and January are the coldest months of the year, huge bonfires are lit on the eve of Makar Sankranti and which is celebrated as “Lohri”.
In Central India, it is known as Sankranti.
In Gujarat and Rajasthan, it is known as Uttarayan and is noted for the kite flying event.