Among the various fairs and festivals in Orissa, the Makarmela deserves a special mention. Celebrated on Makar Sankranti (January 14), this festival is celebrated with great fanfare all over Orissa in India. It is an event when all the towns and villages of the state wear a festive look and a sense of joie de vivre pervades the entire air.

The Makarmela Festival is dedicated to the Sun God (Surya), who is worshipped with great devotion during this festival. Though the festival is celebrated all over the state, the main action is centered at some places like Ghatgaon, Kalijai, Atri, Keonjhar, Jashipur and Jagatsinghpur. A good number of pilgrims visit these places during the Makarmela, thus making it one of the main events to be celebrated in these centers.

The Makarmela is celebrated in mid January because it is the very time when the sun enters the orbit of Capricorn. Besides, the color and gaiety that mark this festival simply make this event an affair to remember for all visitors. The religious fervor that underlies the Makarmela festival of Orissa in India is another factor that adds to its importance.