Whether you celebrate it as Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal or by any other name, it all means the same. (I celebrate it as Makar Sankranti)
In India there are many festivals and different cultures.
Makar Sankranti is this one festival which is celebrated by all Indians in all the states. It is just called by different names in different states. For example the people of Punjab celebrate this festival as Lohri whereas the people of Tamil Nadu celebrate it as Pongal, Suggi in Karnataka, Uttarayan in Gujarat and etc.
(there’s a detailed picture below with the name, each state celebrates this festival as.)
But even though Sankranti is celebrated in all the states by different names, the reason or significance of celebrating this festival is the same everywhere.
Makar Sankranti is a festival of harvest. It is celebrated for three days and 14 January is usually the main day.
This festival marks the end of winter season and the beginning of the harvest season. This is the main and big festivals for the farmers as they pray for a good harvest of their crops. Sankranti/Pongal is dedicated to the sun lord.
People also fly kites all day on Sankranti. (it’s like a festival sport) Flying kites on this day is a symbol of good health and prosperity. There are also many mythological stories written in the Hindu book/puranas which explain the reason why Makar Sankranti is celebrated.
If you live in India, you would be celebrating Makar Sankranti too, maybe by a different name and if you do not live in India then on behalf of India I wish you Happy Makar Sankranti!
