Makar Sankranti Jan 15, 2024

Makar Sankranti

Observed on January 14—or January 15 on a leap year—the festival of Makar Sankranti marks the entry of the sun into the Capricorn zodiac as well as the end of winter and the return of longer days. The festival, celebrated differently depending on the state, is known by many names, such as Lohri in Punjab, Uttarayana in Gujarat and Pongal in Tamil Nadu. Although it holds regional variations, it is predominantly celebrated by flying kites, symbolic of the sun"s transition. As part of the observance, communities come together to express gratitude for a bountiful harvest. Makar Sankranti is also marked by various fairs across India. Among them is the renowned Kumbha Mela, which occurs every 12 years in holy locations like Haridwar, Prayag, Ujjain and Nashik. Additionally, the Magha Mela, a mini-Kumbh Mela, takes place annually in Prayagraj, while the Gangasagar Mela occurs on the Ganges River.

© Saumil Shah - flickr.com/saumil/Getty images

palette

Today in History

Frosty Finland
Jan 15, 2025Chital, Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Jan 15, 2026The fishing village of Reine, Norway

More Desktop Wallpapers:

May 14, 2024Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, USA
Jul 16, 2025Temple of Philae, Aswan, Egypt
Dec 14, 2025Royal Bengal tiger
Sep 5, 20242024 Toronto International Film Festival
Oct 22, 2025Belogradchik Rocks, Bulgaria
So fresh, so clean
Dec 7, 2025A pine forest in Alsace, France
Jan 9, 2024Gayathri Reservoir, Karnataka, India
Dec 24, 2024Silent night, sparkling lights and hearts full of joy
Where we go to play
Jun 1, 2024Pride Month
Ever seen garlic bloom?
What’s blooming so brightly?
Dec 3, 2023Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
Mar 8, 2024International Womens Day
Natures boost fruit
Go fly a kite!
Apr 20, 2025Easter
Apr 15, 2024Centraal Station, Antwerp, Belgium
Dec 10, 2025Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, Andalusia, Spain
Sep 28, 2024Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida, USA
Sep 15, 2024Annas hummingbird, Santa Cruz, California, USA
May 12, 2024Mothers Day
Twinkle twinkle, little bugs
A shiver of sharks on the hunt
Im ready for my close-up, Mr. DeSquirrel
Apr 22, 2025Earth Day
Warm light through an ancient forest
Jul 8, 2024Blueberries growing in the wild
Nov 2, 2023Death Valley National Park, California