The occasion of Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (or makar). Hence, it marks a change in the season which is celebrated all over India, and is also observed as a harvest festival in some regions.
In north India, the festival is celebrated as ‘Lohri’, while it is known as 'Bhogali Bihu’ in Assam and ‘Pongal’ in Tamil Nadu.
The occasions has a special significance in Indian culture as this day symbolically marks the northward journey of the sun, signifying the victory of good over evil.
People harvest rice and offer boiled rice to the sun god to thank him for his blessings and a bountiful yield.
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