Question

Which of the following correctly matches the regional names and customs associated with the festival of Makar Sankranti in India?

• A. Maghi – Celebrated in Punjab with kite flying and bonfires.
• B. Magha Saaji – Observed in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, marking the start of the month of Magha.
• C. Nuakhai – A Makar Sankranti celebration in Tamil Nadu marked by bull-taming sports.
• D. Saaji – Refers to the Sun's movement into Aries, celebrated in Karnataka.

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Magha Saaji – Observed in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, marking the start of the month of Magha.

Makar Sankranti In Karnataka, Makar Sankranti is celebrated to mark the Sun's transition into the zodiac sign of Makar (Capricorn), signaling the beginning of longer days and shorter nights. Maghi In Punjab, this festival is observed as Maghi. A significant tradition is taking an early morning dip in a river, which is believed to be spiritually cleansing. Saaji In the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, Makar Sankranti is known as Magha Saaji. "Saaji" is the Pahari term for Sankranti, symbolizing the start of a new month—specifically, the month of Magha. Nuakhai Nuakhai is a traditional harvest festival in Odisha. The word ‘nua’ means new and ‘khai’ means food, representing the first consumption of the season's fresh harvest. It's also called Nuakhai Parab or Nuakhai Bhetghat.