A much-awaited festival celebrated across the country is here – Makar Sankranti. Although mostly celebrated in villages, the cities are also abuzz during this festival. In the heap of fruits, flowers and groundnuts on the bustling streets and main roads, we can see this festive fervour. Though the burgeoning cities have taken away the calmness that villages hold, certain things stay unchanged… certain traditions lie deep within.

Different Names. Same Festive Spirit

Dedicated to Lord Surya, this Harvest Festival sees families coming together to express gratitude for the blessings they received in the past year and pray for a prosperous one ahead. It is celebrated in different names in different regions. For instance, in Tamil Nadu, it is Pongal, in Kerala, Makaravilakku; in Andhra Pradesh, Peddha Panduga; Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra and Goa; Uttarayana in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, Maghi Sangrand in Punjab and many more. Though the core festive spirit remains the same, each region has its own rituals, traditional food and cultural richness.

Unlike many Hindu festivals that follow the lunar calendar, Makar Sankranti is based on the solar calendar, marking the Sun’s journey from south to north. Beyond its cultural and regional variations, Makar Sankranti also holds deep spiritual significance in Indian mythology. In the Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamaha, who had the boon of Ichha Mrityu (death at will), lay in the bed of arrows for six months, wounded, waiting for the Uttarayan period to leave his body. This is another example that shows the auspiciousness of this time, inspiring us to perform good deeds and spread positivity.

Feed Children. Donate on this Occasion

As Makar Sankranti marks the end of Malmaas, an inauspicious period in Panchang (the Hindu calendar), it is an ideal time to perform good deeds like feeding children. As the Sun moves north – the abode of Kubera, the god of wealth, it brings positivity and blessings, dispelling negativity from our lives.

On this festival of nature’s abundance, support Akshaya Patra’s school feeding efforts. As an organisation feeding nutritious meals to 2.35 million children every day, we rely on the generosity of people like you to continue this endeavour.

With a contribution of ₹1,500, you can feed a child on this Sankranti for an entire academic year. Your support helps children:

• Sit in class well-nourished
• Stay active and energetic
• Play and enjoy childhood
• Improve their attendance
• Perform well in academics

By participating in festival donations, you can bring hope, health, and happiness to thousands of children this Makar Sankranti.

This Makar Sankranti, let your generous side shine brightly as the rising sun. Make a Makar Sankranti Donation today and ensure that every child is well-fed in kindness.

On 15 August 2025, India celebrates its 78^th Independence Day. As we hoist the tricolour, the nation’s pride stands tall, reflecting on the sacrifices of freedom fighters, social reformers, intellectuals and many unsung heroes who now rest beneath the soil after giving the fruit of their labour – Freedom.

Pledge to Feed for Educational Freedom

This Independence Day, as we rejoice in this freedom, let’s redeem our pledge to build a prosperous India by serving mid-day meals. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and explore their full potential. For many, this opportunity begins with a plate of food.

The Government of India’s PM POSHAN Abhiyaan (Mid-Day Meal Scheme) is an initiative that aims to protect children’s Right to Nutrition and Education by ensuring nutritious mid-day meals every school day. For many children from marginalised communities, this meal is the only proper food they receive in a day and the main reason they attend school. To parents who struggle to make ends meet, knowing their children receive a plateful of nourishing meals is a huge relief, encouraging them to send their children to school every day.

Proper nourishment not only fills stomachs but also helps them concentrate in classes and ultimately gives them and their families hope for a better future.

How Akshaya Patra Support for this Cause?

As an implementing partner of the central and various state governments, Akshaya Patra currently serves 2.25 million children across 16 states and 3 UTs. Through a network of centralised and decentralised kitchens, the organisation strives to reach every child, even in the remotest part of the country, because for the Mid-Day Meal Scheme to be truly effective, every child must enjoy its benefits.

To enhance the nutritional value of meals, we incorporate food fortification and millets in mid-day meals. This has helped improve children’s micronutrient intake, address deficiencies and support healthier development.

Most importantly, food must not only be nutritious but also enjoyable. Akshaya Patra thoughtfully curates its menus to reflect regional tastes – rice-based meals in South India and wheat-based in the North. So, while a child in Tamil Nadu receives rice and sambar, one in Rajasthan enjoys roti and subji. 

Voices of Tomorrow – The Nation’s Dreams

Our journey never ends as long as our vision – No child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger is a reality.

Make a Difference with Your Independence Day Donation

Your occasional donations have a lasting impact. This Independence Day, be a part of India’s progress by donating towards serving mid-day meals. Through this, you not only nourish children but also pave the way for education and address social issues.

From a nation that was once long suppressed, India has now become the 4^th largest economy and home to the largest youth population. However, to fully realise our nation’s potential, we must ensure every child is nourished, educated and empowered.

Feed a Child. Free a Mind. With every ₹1,500, a child receives meals for a year.

Donate today. Nurture India’s tomorrow