HAPPY MAKAR SANKRANTI
Makar Sankranti is a significant festival in India, celebrated annually on January 14th. It marks the sun's transition into Capricorn, signaling the end of winter and the beginning of longer days. This event is associated with the harvest season and is observed with various customs across the country.
Significance of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti holds great importance as it represents new beginnings and prosperity. The festival is a time to express gratitude for a bountiful harvest and to welcome the change of seasons. It is also believed to be an auspicious day that brings positive energy and growth.
Regional Celebrations
Across India, Makar Sankranti is celebrated under different names, each highlighting the rich cultural traditions of the region.
Gujarat: Known as Uttarayan, the festival is famous for its International Kite Festival. People of all ages fly kites from dawn to dusk, filling the sky with vibrant colors. Special foods like undhiyu (a mixed vegetable dish) and chikki (sesame seed brittle) are prepared and enjoyed.
Tamil Nadu: Celebrated as Pongal, it is a four-day festival thanking the Sun God for the harvest. The first day is Bhogi, followed by Thai Pongal, Mattu Pongal, and Kaanum Pongal. People cook a special dish called 'Pongal' made from freshly harvested rice and milk.
Punjab: Known as Lohri, it involves lighting bonfires, dancing, and singing traditional songs. It signifies the end of winter and the arrival of longer days. People gather around the bonfire, throw sesame seeds, popcorn, and other food items into the fire, and pray for prosperity.
Assam: Celebrated as Bihu, particularly Magh Bihu, it marks the end of the harvesting season. Feasts are organized, and traditional games like buffalo fighting are held. People build temporary huts, known as 'Meji,' where they have community feasts, and then the huts are burnt the next morning as a tribute to the gods.
Traditional Foods
Makar Sankranti is also known for its variety of traditional foods, which vary by region:
Tilgul: In Maharashtra, people exchange sweets made of sesame seeds and jaggery, known as tilgul, saying, "Tilgul ghya ani goad goad bola," meaning "Accept this sweet and speak sweet words."
Ellu-Bella: In Karnataka, a mixture of sesame seeds, jaggery, coconut, and peanuts is shared among friends and family, symbolizing sweetness and joy in relationships.
Pithe: In West Bengal, various rice cakes known as 'Pithe' are prepared, using freshly harvested paddy, date palm syrup, and coconut.
Kite Flying
Kite flying is a major activity during Makar Sankranti, especially in Gujarat and Rajasthan. The sky becomes a canvas filled with colorful kites, and people engage in friendly competitions to cut each other's kites. The International Kite Festival in Gujarat attracts participants from around the world, showcasing unique and elaborate kites.
Cultural Performances
Various cultural performances are organized during this festival:
Folk Dances: Regions like Punjab see energetic dances like Bhangra and Gidda, while Gujarat showcases Garba and Dandiya performances.
Music: Traditional songs are sung, reflecting the local folklore and traditions associated with the harvest season.
Social Significance
Makar Sankranti fosters social bonding and community participation. People visit relatives and friends, exchange sweets, and participate in communal activities. The festival promotes unity and reflects the diverse yet unified cultural fabric of India.
Environmental Aspect
The festival also emphasizes the importance of nature and the environment. The rituals and customs are closely linked to agricultural practices and the natural cycles of the sun and seasons.
FAQs about Makar Sankranti
1. What is Makar Sankranti?
Makar Sankranti is an Indian festival marking the sun's transition into Capricorn, signaling the end of winter and the onset of longer days.
2. When is Makar Sankranti celebrated?
It is celebrated annually on January 14th.
3. Why is kite flying associated with Makar Sankranti?
Kite flying is a popular tradition during Makar Sankranti, symbolizing the spirit of joy and freedom. In Gujarat, the International Kite Festival is a major attraction during this time.
4. What are the traditional foods prepared during Makar Sankranti?
Traditional foods include tilgul (sesame and jaggery sweets) in Maharashtra, undhiyu (mixed vegetable dish) in Gujarat, and pithe (rice cakes) in West Bengal.
5. How is Makar Sankranti different across various Indian states?
The festival is known by different names and celebrated with unique customs in various states, such as Uttarayan in Gujarat, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Lohri in