Join in the festivities as families gather to celebrate the four-day Pongal festival in South India. With rituals, prayers, and the traditional Pongal dish, this ancient celebration gives thanks to the Sun God for a bountiful harvest and agricultural development. Mark your calendars for January 14th, when the Pongal festival coincides with Makar Sankranti in Eastern India, Lohri in Punjab, and Uttarayan in Gujarat. Don't miss out on the auspicious time for puja and the grand puja schedule for this year's Pongal celebration.
Every year, Makar Sankranti is celebrated with great enthusiasm as people come together to fly colourful kites and commemorate the harvest season. In 2025, the festival falls on January 14 and marks the beginning of longer days and a time for reflection and gratitude. As the Sun God is honored for sustaining life on Earth, let's spread well-wishes and greetings among loved ones to celebrate the true spirit of Uttarayan.
A four-year-old boy has died and several others have sustained kite-related injuries in Gujarat's Mahisagar district during the Uttarayan festival, also known as Makar Sankranti. The child was riding on his father's motorcycle when a kite string slashed his throat, causing him to bleed profusely and ultimately pass away before receiving treatment. Additionally, at least 66 people across the state have been injured by kite thread on Uttarayan.
A celebration of the sun’s transition from Sagittarius to Capricorn, Uttarayan is a festival that brings joy and excitement to India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also expressed his love for kites and the festival through poetry. Here's a look at some heartfelt wishes, greetings, messages, photos, and a poem by the Prime Minister.
In India, the festive month of January is marked by colorful celebrations of Harvest Festivals under various names, including Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Uttarayan, and Pongal. These festivals hold a significant place in Indian culture as they honor the agricultural cycle and pay respect to the country's farming community. Celebrated with bonfires, traditional dishes, and dancing, Lohri is observed primarily in the northern regions of India and marks the end of winter, welcoming in longer days and a warmer season.