
Makar Sankranti, or Maghi is a festival in the Hindu calendar dedicated to the sun deity. It marks the start of longer days with the winter solstice as the sun enters into Capricorn, and is observed with feasts, kite flying, bonfires and rural children going to houses asking for treats. Some observers go to sacred rivers and bathe in a ceremony of thanks to the sun whereas for others, it marks the start of the harvesting season.