Makar Sankranti

What

Celebrated with kite-flying across much of North India, alongside the preparation and sharing of sesame and jaggery sweets, and ritual bathing in sacred rivers where possible.

Why

The festival marks the sun's astrological transition into Makara (Capricorn) and the start of its northward journey — a moment associated with lengthening days and, symbolically, with clarity and warmth returning after the darker half of the year.

Preparation

• Prepare til-gud (sesame and jaggery) sweets to share
• Fly a kite if the tradition is practiced in your region
• Consider a dawn or river visit if accessible
• Reflect on what you'd like more clarity or warmth around as days lengthen