Bhubaneswar: Makar Sankranti is celebrated as per the Hindu calendar month of Magha. This festival is celebrated for innumerable reasons depending on various climate, agricultural environment, cultural background and location. Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the Sun into Capricorn on its celestial path. There is another significance of this day i.e. the days start becoming longer and warmer and thus the chill of winter declines.
People across Odisha celebrated the harvest festival of Makar Sankranti with religious fervour and enthusiasm.
While restrictions were imposed at several places for the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, Devotees visited temples in the early morning to get a glimpse of their revered Lord while following the guidelines issued by the government.
On this auspicious occasion, people prepared a special dish made with newly harvested rice, sugar, banana, coconut and black pepper and offered it to the gods. Another special dish, ‘Makar Chaula’, is also prepared on the occasion. The devotees exchange the special dish among themselves.
In southern districts of Odisha, people decorated the front of their houses with colourful rangoli to celebrate Pongal today. The festival is mainly celebrated by the people belonging to Telugu community.
