MAKAR SANKRANTI

This Hindu festival pays homage to the deity Surya (the sun) and takes place when the sun transits through Capricorn (Makara). Several celebrations take place throughout the country. On the program: offerings of course, parties, demonstrations of traditional arts, dances, kite flying competitions, fireworks, gifts of sweets to children... In Kerala, this festival, called Maravilakku, is celebrated in Sabarimala, near Periyar. Almost half a million devotees come here every year to perform darshan.