What we celebrate and why: Makar Sankranti

We asked Agrati, a Dialogueperspectives alumna from Berlin, what the Hindu holiday Makar Sankranti is all about:

“Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival that marks the beginning of the harvest festival to celebrate the end of winter. There are different versions in India. For example, in northern India people often celebrate “Lodi” one day before Makar Sakranti. They build a kind of bonfire and throw nuts, wood, or rice into the flames.

In other regions of India, people celebrate Pongal (Tamil Nadu) or a kite festival (Gujarat). The festival is mainly dedicated to the sun and often something sweet is eaten, such as ladoos.
I myself celebrate the festival with my family at home. We light a small fire and enjoy sweets.
I wish everyone who celebrates a wonderful festival!”

We also wish Agrati and all those who celebrate a very happy end of winter!