The kite festival, Makar Sankranti, is celebrated across several states in India with different names and traditions. In Tamil Nadu, it is called Pongal and is celebrated with a sweet rice dish of the same name. In Mauritius and South Africa, it is celebrated with music and dance.

The festival celebrates the entry of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, marking the end of the winter solstice. It is also a harvest festival, and in all cultures celebrate this festival, a combination of sunflower and jaggery is used to prepare sweet festival treats. These sunflower sweets are cherished and it is believed they provide energy and warmth.