Friends Makar Sankarnti is celebrated in all regions of India. Kumbh mela is arranged that day when over million people go there to take holy plunge into Ganga sagar and prayag and prays are offered to Sun God. It is celebrated with the name pongal, Sankrantm, Lohari and many other names. In Gujarat it is called Utrayan means Sun ascends and enters northern hemisphere. Gujaratis celebrate it by flying kites in the sky. It is like sending flowers to deity. But instead of flowers we use kites trying to reach Sun to welcome his entering in northern hemisphere. For many it is beginning of harvest season. But most of all it is a day to help poor and needy with donation of food, clothes, money or other items.
Makar Sankranti (Sanskrit: मकर संक्रान्ति) or Sankranti or Sankranthi. marks the transition of the Sun into Capricorn on its celestial path. This is significant considering the Winter Solstice marks the beginning of the gradual increase of the duration of the day. Remember actually the shortest day on the earth is December 21st, 22nd and from this point onwards day begin to increase. Hence actual Winter Solstice begins on December 21st or December 22nd when the tropical sun enters Makara rashi. Because of the earth's tilt of 23.45 degrees and sliding of equninoxes ayanamasha occurs, causing makara sankranti to slide further. 1000 years back, in 1000AD, makar sankranti was on Dec 31st and is now on January 14th. After 5000 years, Makara sankranti will come in the end of february, beginning of march. After 9000 years Makara sankranti will come in the june (it will be the time when summer will be already there). Hence actual Uttarayana is December 21st when the tropical (Sayana) sun enters capricorn. This is because at one point of time they were the same. Because of this precession of the equinoxes ayanamsa occurs and hence sliding of makara sankranti. Traditionally, this has been one of many harvest days in India.
Due to the geography and size of India, this festival is celebrated for innumerable reasons depending on the climate, agricultural environment, cultural background and location.
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