Makar Sankranti
The new year for the Hindus starts with the festival of Makar Sankranti. It falls on the 14th of January every year. It marks the Sun's journey from one sign of the zodiac to another, that is from Saggitarius to Capricorn. The movement from one zodiac to another is called Sankranti and the zodiac sign into which it moves is called Makar or Capricorn. Though the Hindus follow the lunar calendar, this festival follows the solar calendar. That is why the date is always fixed for the celebration.. 14th of January every year.
The winter crops are harvested at this time and the farmers are happy. The festival marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring.People make special sweets with sesame,jaggery and peanuts called ' Laddoo ' and share it with friends and relatives. As the festival comes in mid-winter when the skin is dry, the food includes peanuts and sesame which provide warmth and oil to the body. Children celebrate the coming of spring by flying colourful kites. Thus ends one of the many festivals that India celebrates with joy and cheer.
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