In Karnataka, Pongal is celebrated as Makar Sankranti or Suggi Habba, a festival that celebrates the harvest, nature, farmers and the Sun. It is a joyful occasion when families come together, decorate their homes and share traditional foods. Karnataka Tourism describes Sankranti as a major harvest celebration, with traditions including Ellu Bella, colourful rangoli, sugarcane and special dishes such as sweet and savoury Huggi.
In Hassan district, the festival beautifully reflects the district’s agricultural and rural traditions. Homes and entrances are cleaned and decorated with colourful rangoli, flowers and traditional toranas. Fresh sugarcane, turmeric, rice and other harvest produce are important parts of the celebrations. Farmers express gratitude for a good harvest and offer the first produce to the Sun as a symbol of thanksgiving.