This harvest festival marks the commencement of the sun's journey to the Northern Hemisphere. People take dips in rivers and worship the sun In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti is celebrated by the flying of kites. Delhi, the national capital of India has the grandest parades, displaying India's strength in terms of the armed forces and weapons. These are followed by floats and dancers from all parts of the country. This is a day of fasting dedicated to Lord Shiva, the third deity of the Hindu trinity.
Religious people stay awake and chant prayers the whole night.
Processions to the festivals are followed by chanting of mantras and anointing of lingams. Vasant Panchami is a festival in honor of Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom and learning. This is one of the most exuberant festivals and also the most colorful. It heralds the advent of spring and the end of winters. It is celebrated by throwing colored water and powder at each other.