The year’s first set of festivals kickstart with joy and happiness. As many as five festivals commence in the second week of January 2018 - Makar Sankranti, Lohri, Pongal, Uttarayan and Bihu. Makar Sankranti also popularly known as kite festival is celebrated on January 14 every year. It refers both to a specific solar day according to the Hindu calendar as well as a festival is observed to please the Sun god. Makar Sankranti festivities have different names in different states with its unique set of rituals and traditions. From kite-flying to eating traditional sweets such as tilgul, it is a fun family affair. Individuals not only greet each other in person but also send colourful Happy Makar Sankranti wishes, GIF image messages on WhatsApp or Facebook.

Makar Sankranti, dedicated to Hindu deity, Lord Surya is an important Hindu festival. It is one of the few ancient festivals, which is observed according to the Solar cycles marking the end of the month with the winter solstice and the start of longer days. Despite bearing different names in states and having regional variations in the celebration, Makar Sankranti remains a significant observance pan India. The day marks the onset of sacred phase for new and good beginnings to take place.

Here is a collection of lovely messages to send your family and friends on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. It is the time of the year when you must connect with your near and dear ones and begin a new phase of life. We have posted best WhatsApp Sankranti wishes, GIF image messages, SMS & Facebook quotes to wish on Kite Festival. Happy Makar Sankranti 2018!

1. On this auspicious festival, the sun starts its northward journey. Thus, it begins the journey towards greater heights and success! I wish you and your family a very happy Makar Sankranti.

2. Hope the festival of Makar Sankranti. Brings you lots of happiness, bliss. And good times in your life.

3. May the Makar Sankranti fire burns all the moments of sadness and brings you the warmth of joy, wisdom and love...Have a nice day!

With Great Devotion, Fervour and Gaiety,

With Rays of Joy and Hope,

Wish You and Your Family,

Happy Makar Sankranti 2018.

4. Mandir ki ghanti, Arti ki thali, Nadi ke kinare suraj ki lali, Zindagi me aye khushiyo ki bahar, Apko mubarak ho sankrant ka tyohar.

Happy Makar Sankranti

5. Wishing you and your family happiness, warmth, wisdom and moments you cherish for the entire year ahead. Happy Makar Sankranti.

6. Makar Sankranti, the festival of the sun, is here. May it bring you wisdom and joy and light up your life. For the entire new year!

May this harvest season bring you prosperity and positivity, And you fly high like a kite. Wishing you and your family a Happy Makar Sankranti!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 14, 2018 12:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).