The famous Makar Sankranti festival in India: the best places to see it
Makar Sankranti is one of the first festivals in India celebrated at the beginning of the year.
Traditionally, this holiday marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The festival is celebrated in honor of the sun god. It involves kite flying, traditional sweets, and cultural festivities, as reported by News Bytes.
Ganga Sagar, West Bengal
During Makar Sankranti, Ganga Sagar, located at the confluence of the Ganges River and the Bay of Bengal, serves as a spiritual center.
Near the confluence, crowds of pilgrims gather to take part in the sacred immersion.
The lively rhythms of traditional folk music create a magical cultural atmosphere, adding to the festivities at the sacred confluence of the Ganges and Sagar.
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Gujarat is well known for its magnificent Uttarayan or kite festival during Makar Sankranti. Ahmedabad, in particular, hosts one of the largest kite festivals in the world.
Thousands of people participate in friendly kite-flying competitions where the sky is filled with colorful kites of all sizes and shapes.
Other cities such as Vadodara and Surat are also known for their colorful kite-flying festivals.
Haridwar, Uttarakhand
The city of Haridwar becomes a mesmerizing sight during Makara Sankranti. Rituals and prayers are performed by devotees, leading to a peaceful merger of spirituality and culture.
They bathe in the sacred Ganges River to receive God's blessings.
It is truly an edifying experience as the sounds of hymns fill the air and lively cultural events encompass the riverfront.
Mysuru, Karnataka
Makara Sankranti is highly anticipated in Mysuru, especially because of the ellu-bella tradition. The city celebrates the holiday with traditional fervor.
Almost every family participates in the preparation of ellu-bella, which is made from jaggery, peanuts, and sesame seeds.
Women and children dressed in traditional costumes visit temples in the morning and distribute ellu-bella to friends, neighbors, and relatives in the evening.
Rajasthan
Another one of the best places for the festival is Rajasthan.
The whole state of Rajasthan becomes a bright canvas during Makara Sankranti.
Traditional music fills the air, and colorful kites soar through the sky during friendly competitions.
Stroll through the markets as they become a visual feast, decorated with a rainbow of colorful kites.
