The traditional name for the winter festival celebrated in India is "Makar Sankranti" or "Pongal," depending on the region. Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn and is celebrated with various customs, including kite flying, special foods, and community gatherings. In southern India, Pongal is a multi-day harvest festival where families thank their deities for the bounty of the harvest, cooking the special dish called Pongal. This festival typically occurs in mid-January and is significant for cultural unity and agriculture in many Indian communities.