Makar Sankranti, one of Bengal's most revered harvest festivals, continues to thrive in modern times while maintaining its centuries-old cultural significance. This ancient festival, marking the sun's transit into Capricorn (Makar), traditionally celebrated the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season. Historically, the festival emerged as an agricultural celebration, deeply rooted in Bengali rural life. Farmers would express gratitude for a successful harvest through various rituals and community gatherings. The tradition of building and burning rice straw huts symbolizes the leaving behind of the old and welcoming prosperity for the new harvest season. In contemporary times, while urbanization has transformed many aspects of life, Makar Sankranti continues to be celebrated with equal enthusiasm, albeit with modern adaptations. Today's celebrations seamlessly blend traditional elements with contemporary practices. The evening picnics, once simple rural gatheri...