Before #MakarSankranti starts trending, let me give you a few awesome details on the importance of this day.
A small thread
In Uttarakhand, Makar Sankranti is called Uttarayani and Ghughutiya. On this day, Sun enters the sign of Capricorn.

This is interesting because Saturn, which controls Capricorn, is believed to be the rebellious son of the Sun (get it!). As father enters the house of his son, he starts moving northward, which brings longer days and shorter nights- the end of winter.

This is an important festival across India, known by different names, but the basics remain largely the same.
From as astrological point of view, it is important because Sun and Saturn are not very friendly. This year, we will see an amazing 5 planet conjunction

In this conjunction, Saturn, Sun, Jupiter, Mercury and Moon will be huddled together in Capricorn.
Of these, Saturn and Sun will be in Uttar Ashad nakshatra.
Jupiter, Mercury and Moon will be in Shravan.
I won't go predicting anything here but we usually expect..

stronger government control, tighter restrictions but increased show of prosperity.
Leaving astrology aside, Uttarayan literally means "northern portion" where uttar is north and ayan is one half of the year which derives its name from the Sun's movement.

Now, the details on Makar Sankranti.
Sankranti is the day when the Sun enters a new rashi.
Makar is the Hindi name for the sign of Capricorn.
So when the Sun goes to Capricorn, it is Makar Sankranti.

Taking a dip in Ganga, eating and donating Khichdi, and making til laddos are commonplace in most parts of Uttarakhand. As migratory birds return, people also make ghughutiya offerings to them.

If you are from Uttarakhand and unaware of these simple customs, you may want to make some khichdi and laddoos tomorrow. It is a very important festival for us and connected to the roots of our culture. The same thing goes for other states too. Stay connected to the roots!