Makar Sankranti is a significant Hindu festival celebrated to mark the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara in Sanskrit), signaling the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days.

Usually falling on January 14th or 15th, it's one of the few Hindu festivals that follow the solar calendar, making it relatively consistent in its timing year-to-year.

The festival is celebrated across India but varies in customs, rituals, and even names; it's known as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Maghi in Punjab, and Bihu in Assam. Activities often include kite flying, bonfires, and feasts featuring seasonal foods like sesame seeds and jaggery.

The festival is also marked by charitable acts and spiritual rituals, including taking a dip in holy rivers like the Ganges, believed to cleanse the soul. Overall, Makar Sankranti is a multifaceted celebration heralding the onset of warmer days, agricultural abundance, and spiritual renewal.