Makar Sankranti, Bhogali Bihu and Pongal was celebrated across the nation today. In Uttar Pradesh, people thronged various temples after taking bath in holy rivers and ponds on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, the festival of praying the Sun God. Being the second day of the festival today, people in Andhra Pradesh are paying their respects to their ancestors on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, the beginning of Uttarayana. A number of village sports like cockfight and bull race marked the day in rural areas while kite flying was predominant in urban areas including Hyderabad. Pongal is being celebrated across Tamil Nadu today. It signals the end of winter and the onset of spring. Today is Surya Pongal day in which Pongal is offered to the Sun God. Tomorrow will be Mattu Pongal (festival for the cattle) in which Bull fight – Jalli Kattu and Maju Virattu – is held. As it is the start of Tamil calender month of Thai the State Government has also declared it as the Tamil New Years day and has given a free gift bag containing half a kg rice and other ingredients to make pongal to all ration card holders. Free saris and dhoties have also been distributed to those below poverty line In Assam, the post-harvest festival- Bhogali Bihu was celebrated with traditional pomp and gaiety. Maghi Melas were organized across the State where traditionally-produced items are exhibited. Lakhs of devotees took a holy dip at famous Parashuram Kund in Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh this morning on the occasion.