Makar Sankranti, observed annually in mid-January, is one of India's most culturally rich and widely celebrated festivals. Marking the sun's transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara), this harvest festival heralds the end of winter and the onset of longer, sunnier days. While its essence—gratitude for the harvest and prayers for prosperity—remains consistent, how Makar Sankranti is celebrated varies significantly across India. Here’s how eight states infuse their unique cultural flavours into this festival.

　　Andhra Pradesh And Telangana – Pedda Panduga

　　In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Makar Sankranti is a three-day extravaganza known as Pedda Panduga. Each day has significance: Bhogi involves discarding old items and starting afresh, special pujas and feasting mark Sankranti, and Kanuma celebrates cattle. Women decorate homes with muggu (rangoli), and children partake in Gobbi dances. Traditional sweets like Ariselu and Bellam Pongal grace the festive platter, and kite flying adds a colourful dimension to the celebrations.

　　Tamil Nadu – Pongal

　　In Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti coincides with the four-day harvest festival of Pongal. Named after the sweet dish made of rice, jaggery, and milk, Pongal signifies abundance and gratitude. Each day has a theme: Bhogi Pongal focuses on cleansing, Thai Pongal is dedicated to the Sun God, Mattu Pongal honours cattle, and Kaanum Pongal emphasises family reunions. The elaborate kolam designs adorning courtyards, the bull-taming sport of Jallikattu, and the community feasts encapsulate Tamil Nadu's traditions.

　　Karnataka – Suggi Habba

　　In Karnataka, Suggi Habba is the local variant of Makar Sankranti, celebrated with equal fervour. Farmers decorate their bulls and cows with colourful ornaments, and women exchange Ellu-Bella—a mixture of sesame seeds, jaggery, coconut, and peanuts—as a gesture of goodwill. Bonfires, traditional dances, and rituals like offering prayers to the Sun God are central to the festivities. Kite flying is also a popular activity that brings communities together.

　　Maharashtra – Makar Sankranti

　　Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra is synonymous with sharing tilgul (sesame and jaggery sweets) and exchanging greetings of "Tilgul ghya, god god bola" (Take sweet, speak sweetly). Women organise haldi-kumkum gatherings, donning traditional sarees and jewellery. The festival signifies unity and friendship, with kite flying adding a joyful, competitive spirit. Traditional dishes like Puran Poli and Tilgul Ladoo are indispensable to the celebrations.

　　Gujarat – Uttarayan

　　In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti transforms into Uttarayan, a festival that paints the skies with kites. Ahmedabad hosts the International Kite Festival, attracting enthusiasts from across the globe. Families prepare special dishes like Undhiyu (a winter vegetable curry) and Chikki (a jaggery and nut brittle). Uttarayan is not just a festival but a statewide celebration of community, joy, and cultural pride.

　　Punjab – Lohri

　　In Punjab, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Lohri, a festival of bonfires, folk dances, and music. Traditionally, Lohri marks the end of the winter solstice and sugarcane harvest. Families gather around bonfires, singing traditional songs and offering sesame seeds, jaggery, and peanuts to the flames. The festivities include the vibrant Bhangra and Gidda dances and savouring delicacies like Sarson Ka Saag and Makki Ki Roti.

　　Uttar Pradesh – Khichdi Parv

　　In Uttar Pradesh, Makar Sankranti is also known as Khichdi Parv, which emphasises the simplicity of the festival. Devotees take holy dips in rivers like the Ganga and offer prayers for prosperity. The festival's highlight is preparing and distributing Khichdi, a wholesome dish made of rice and lentils. In cities like Prayagraj, the Magh Mela—a month-long religious fair—begins on this auspicious day.

　　West Bengal – Poush Sankranti

　　In West Bengal, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Poush Sankranti, marking the end of the harvest season. The Ganga Sagar Mela, held at the confluence of the Ganga and Bay of Bengal, is a significant event where thousands of pilgrims take holy dips. The festival is incomplete without traditional sweets like Pithe and Payesh, made from freshly harvested rice and date palm jaggery. Folk dances and music enhance the cultural essence of the celebrations.