Makar Sankranti (मकर संक्रान्ति)

Auspicious time to do puja on the day is 2 hours after sunrise on January 15, 2012.

Makar Sankranti is the day when the sun enters into the zodiac Capricorn or Makara. It is also known as Uttarayana Punyakalam and heralds the arrival of spring season.

Lord Surya is worshipped on the Makar Sankranti day and is a form of Nature Worship. A major event on the day is the bathing ritual at Sangam (confluence of Yamuna, Saraswati and Ganga) in Allahabadand also in the famous bathing ghats on River Ganga. Taking a holy dip on the day is considered to cleanse sins committed and this will lead to Moksha (Salvation).

Uttarayana Punyakalam, the day time of Devas, begins with the Makar Sankranti and lasts for six months. This period is ideal for all kind of auspicious activities.

Makar Sankranti is observed throughout India by all communities but with slight variations in the festivities.

In Bengal, Makar Sankranti is noted for the Ganga Sagar Mela and Pithey parban.

Bhogali Bihu is celebrated on the day in Assam.

Makar Mela is observed in Orissa.

In North India, it is the time of Lohri and Khichadi.

In Central India, it is Sankranti.

In Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti is observed as Pongal.

In Andhra Pradesh, it is known as Sankranthi. 
In Karnataka - Sankranthi
In Maharashtra it Makar Sankranti and Til Gul

In Kerala, the famous Sabarimala Pilgrimage comes to an end with sighting of the Makaravilakku.

In Gujarat and Rajasthan, it is known as Uttarayan and is noted for the kite flying event.

It is an important bathing date during the famous Magh Mela and Kumbh Mela at Sangam (Prayag) in Allahabad.