Bhubaneswar: Makar Sankranti, also known as Pousa Sankranti, is a Hindu festival that marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn). Also known as Uttarayan, it is a special day when the sun travels from south to north.
The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor in Odisha, with people participating in various rituals and customs. On this occasion, people bathe in sacred rivers and visit temples to offer prayers.
On this day, special rituals are held in Puri’s Jagannath Temple. Devotees offer ‘Makar Chaula,’ a special edible item prepared with new raw rice, to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and the four Digapalas.
Hundreds of devotees visit the Jagannath Temple in Puri for ‘darshan’ of the deities in ‘Makar Besha’ when the deities are adorned with garlands of colourful flowers and holy basils.
Another important ritual of the festival is the flying of kites. People of all ages take part in this activity, which is seen as a symbol of joy and freedom. The colorful kites soaring in the sky create a beautiful sight.
