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Sankranthi celebrated differently across various states in India.

Sankranthi, celebrated as the harvest festival in India, is observed with regional variations across states, reflecting their unique cultures and traditions. Here’s a state-wise overview:

1. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana (Makar Sankranti):

Duration: Celebrated over three days as Bhogi, Sankranti, and Kanuma.

Bhogi: Bonfires are lit using old items to signify renewal.

Sankranti: Families prepare special dishes like Ariselu, Sakkara Pongal, and exchange sweets. Kite flying is a major activity.

Kanuma: A day to worship cattle, reflecting gratitude for their role in agriculture.

Rangoli (muggu) with colors and flowers is an integral part of the festival.


2. Tamil Nadu (Pongal):

Duration: Celebrated over four days as Bhogi, Thai Pongal, Mattu Pongal, and Kaanum Pongal.

Thai Pongal: A special dish called Pongal, made of freshly harvested rice, is cooked and offered to the Sun God.

Mattu Pongal: Dedicated to cows and oxen, adorned with garlands and worshipped.

Kaanum Pongal: A day for family reunions and outings.


3. Karnataka:

Known as Makara Sankranti, it involves decorating cattle with bells and painting their horns.

A special practice is Ellu-Bella exchange, where sesame seeds and jaggery are shared, symbolizing harmony.

People fly kites and prepare dishes like Sakkare Pongal and Kosambari.


4. Maharashtra:

People exchange sesame and jaggery sweets, saying, “Tilgul ghya, god god bola” (Take sesame-jaggery, and speak sweetly).

Women wear traditional attire and organize Haldi-Kumkum gatherings.


5. Gujarat (Uttarayan):

Known for vibrant kite flying festivals with international participation.

Special dishes like Undhiyu and Chikki are prepared.


6. Punjab (Lohri):

A day before Makar Sankranti, Lohri is celebrated with bonfires, folk songs, and dance (Bhangra and Gidda).

Foods like makki di roti and sarson da saag are enjoyed.


7. Himachal Pradesh:

Known as Magha Saaji, the day starts with ritualistic baths, temple visits, and feasts.

Folk dances are performed in traditional attire.


8. Assam (Magh Bihu/Bhogali Bihu):

Feasting, community bonfires (Meji), and traditional games like buffalo fighting mark the celebrations.

Special dishes include Pitha (rice cakes) and Laru (sweet balls).


9. West Bengal (Poush Sankranti):

Devotees take holy dips in the Ganges during the Ganga Sagar Mela.

Special sweets like Pati Shapta and Payesh are prepared using jaggery and coconut.


10. Kerala (Makara Vilakku):

Celebrated at the famous Sabarimala temple with grand rituals.

Devotees witness the celestial light Makara Jyothi in the evening.


11. Bihar and Jharkhand (Tila Sankranti):

People bathe in rivers and offer til (sesame) and gur (jaggery) to deities.

Dishes like Tilkut and Chura-Dahi are popular.


12. Odisha (Makar Sankranti):

Devotees prepare Makar Chaula, a dish made with rice, banana, jaggery, and coconut, and offer it to deities.

Kite flying and local fairs are common.


13. Goa and Konkan:

Known as Suggi in Konkani, it is celebrated with fairs and temple offerings.

Traditional sweets like Tilor and Godachi Puran Poli are prepared.


14. Rajasthan and Haryana:

Known as Sakranti, people prepare sesame sweets and fly kites.

Women pray for their husbands' health and prosperity.


These variations reflect India's cultural diversity and agricultural heritage, making Sankranthi uniquely significant across the country.


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