Where will you be this Makar Sankranti? 5 best destinations in India to witness the festival

Makar Sankranti is essentially an occasion for change, as it signals the start of the move towards the north by the sun and welcomed extended and longer days that are filled with warmth. This event takes various forms and shapes across India and means different things to different people. Meanwhile, Makar Sankranti can be as colorful as it can be significant, whether it's the skies dotted with kites or the procession outside temples. Also, the right destination can certainly make Makar Sankranti an unforgettable event if you are planning to travel to India at that time. Below are five destinations across India that are the best places to experience Makar Sankranti.

The international Kite Festival makes the entire city of Ahmedabad the center of action for the celebration of Makar Sankranti, as the entire world attends to witness the festival. With the entire city waking up on the 14th of January, the top of every house becomes an exhibition ground for friendly competition, as the sky erupts in a colorful display of activity. With large kites, intricate designs, and foreigners participating, the event becomes one of the most photographed events in the country.

Makar Sankranti, at Prayagraj, acquires an immensely pious form. Thousands of faithful congregate at the Triveni Sangam, the joining point of the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati River, to take the holy dip to atone for their sins and initiate themselves on a fresh start. This occasion can sometimes coincide with the Magh Mela, and the shores transform into an unending spiritual realm of prayer camps, and discourses. As such, for all those incapable of exploring the uncharted territories yet eager to tap the reservoirs of collective spirituality through their traditional faith beliefs, Prayagraj can be an incredible experience.

In Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Pongal, which is a multi-day harvest festival in honour of the sun, cattle and nature. Chennai and the surrounding villages come alive during this festival with decorated homes and vibrant kolam designs, and the ceremonial cooking of Pongal rice in earthen pots. Taking a drive out from the city into rural Tamil Nadu provides a closer view of traditional customs, including bull-taming events, cattle worship and community feasts. Pongal is ideal for travelling tourists seeking cultural depth, local interactions and authentic regional traditions.

A royal touch is added by the city of Jaipur to the festivities of Makar Sankranti. On the day of Makar Sankranti, the pink sky line of the city is filled with thousands of kites, and the historic buildings of the palace and the fort act as a dramatic background to the festival. Bazaars are filled with kite vendors and the rooftops resonate with chants as people engage in friendly competitions in different localities. However, the USP about Jaipur is its tradition and historic architecture.

In the state of Assam, the day is observed as Magh Bihu, also known as Bhogali Bihu, which commemorates the end of the harvest season. The day is all about food, bonding, and games. There is also the setting up of temporary huts for ceremonial purposes, followed by the burning of the meji, or bonfire structure, in the morning. For the tourist, the Magh Bihu experience is warm and community-based, showcasing the culture, cuisine, and village life of the Assamese.