Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday announced Makar Sankranti, which falls on January 15 this year, as a government holiday.
All state government offices and educational institutions will remain closed on this day, a release from the CMO said.
This harvest festival marks the arrival of spring. Devotees in large numbers throng Jagannath Temple in Puri since early morning to witness the ‘Makara Besha’ of the sibling deities. The day also marks the start of longer days.
During the celebration, delicacies like sooji pitha,’ ‘podo pitha’, ‘arisa kakra’ and ‘kakra pitha’ is prepared. ‘Mudhi Muan’, a ladoo made with puffed rice and jaggery is also prepared to commemorate the festival.
Another special dish, ‘Makar Chaula’ made by mixing newly harvested rice, banana, coconut, sugar, ghee and species is prepared in most households and offered to the presiding deities.
