Makar sankranti, the first religious festival of year considered as an auspicious day to commence any activity and work. The day marks the entry of the planet /lord “sun” into zodiac sign of Makra (Capricorn) as it travels on its celestial path.
This hindu ritual festival Makara Sankranti is observed in different regions of country under different names such as :- in South india named “pongal” , in North india named “lohri” , in eastern india named “makar sankranti”,in gujrat and rajsthan named “uttarayan” , in hariyana and panjab named “maghi”
It is celebrated across different parts of india because it is said that on this day the Lord surya (sun) goes to his son (sani) “Saturn’s home”. So this day is regarded as auspicious day. Other reason to celebrate it is , said to that the lord vishnu massacred demons by chopping off their head and put it on Mandarachal hill.
The day started with the ardent hope of peace and prosperity. People wake up early in the morning and freshen up with bathing or taking a holy dip in rivers such as ganga , yamuna , godavari to wash away the sins first and then go to temple to worship lord by offering sweets(til-gud). They eat chura and dahi (porches rice and yoghurt) in breakfast. in afternoon people eat hotchpotch (khichdi).
Eating khichdi has a significance I.e. considered that the rice is the symbol of moon (lord chandrama) and the pulse (urad daal) is the sign of lord sani (Saturn) and vegitables are the sign of budha (planet), so to strengthen the situation , condition and position of planet (according to astrology). That’s why people have a tradition to eat hotchpotch on this day. people enjoy the day with friends and family.