Makar Sankranti is one of the most celebrated festivals in India, marking a significant change in the celestial cycle and holding immense cultural importance. It brings together people from different states, religions, and backgrounds in a collective spirit of joy and festivity. This year, as we prepare to celebrate Makar Sankranti, let’s dive into its significance, traditions, and the way it is celebrated across various regions of India.
The Importance of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is celebrated to honor the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar) from Sagittarius. It marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days. This day is of great importance in Hindu culture as it is considered auspicious for new beginnings, renewal, and growth.
A Pan-India Celebration
Though Makar Sankranti is celebrated across the entire country, the traditions, customs, and ways of celebration vary from state to state. Despite these differences, the core of the festival remains the same—marking the onset of the harvest season, expressing gratitude for the crops, and bringing families and communities together.
Makar Sankranti Across Different States
1. Punjab: Lohri and Maghi
In Punjab, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Lohri, a harvest festival that honors the sun god. The evening before Makar Sankranti, people gather around bonfires, sing traditional songs, and dance the Bhangra and Gidda to mark the joyous occasion. The following day, the festival is observed as Maghi, a day dedicated to prayers and rituals for the well-being of the family and the community.
2. Maharashtra: Tilgul
In Maharashtra, Makar Sankranti is known for the exchange of “tilgul,” which are sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery. These sweets symbolize the sweetness of life, and people wish each other “Tilgul ghya, god god bola,” which means “Take the sesame and jaggery and speak sweet words.” In addition to this, people also fly kites, with skies filled with vibrant colors.
3. Tamil Nadu: Pongal
In Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Pongal, a four-day festival that involves cooking the traditional dish called “Pongal,” made with newly harvested rice. The first day, Bhogi, is dedicated to cleaning and discarding old items, while the second day, Thai Pongal, involves cooking the dish in the open, symbolizing thanks for the bountiful harvest. The third day, Mattu Pongal, is celebrated to honor cows, which play an essential role in farming.
4. Karnataka: Sankranti
In Karnataka, Makar Sankranti is marked with rituals and gatherings. People prepare Ellu Bella, a sweet dish made from sesame seeds, jaggery, and coconut, and exchange it with neighbors and friends. The festival is also an occasion for people to take holy dips in rivers like the Ganges or the Yamuna.
5. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar: Kites and Melas
In Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Makar Sankranti is celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially in cities like Varanasi and Patna. People gather in large numbers to fly colorful kites and enjoy mela (fairs). Many devotees also take a holy dip in the Ganga river, believing it to purify the soul and wash away sins.
6. Gujarat: Uttarayan
In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti is called Uttarayan and is perhaps best known for its kite-flying celebrations. The skies are filled with thousands of kites, and the entire day is spent trying to cut the strings of your opponent’s kites in the sky. This competition is thrilling and unites communities in a fun-filled atmosphere.
7. Assam: Magh Bihu
In Assam, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Magh Bihu, marking the end of the harvest season. The festival includes the lighting of bonfires, preparing traditional dishes like “pithas” (rice cakes), and partaking in community feasts. It is a time for families and friends to come together and celebrate the harvest.
8. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana: Sankranti
In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Makar Sankranti is celebrated with the famous festival of Sankranti. People decorate their homes with colorful rangolis, celebrate with grand feasts, and conduct bullock-cart races and traditional dances. A popular dish prepared on this day is pulihora, a rice dish mixed with tamarind and spices.
The Significance of Kite Flying
Kite flying is one of the most iconic traditions of Makar Sankranti, especially in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. Flying kites symbolizes the lifting of the soul and the departure of negative energy. It is also a way of celebrating the increasing warmth of the sun as it rises higher in the sky. The vibrant colors of the kites in the sky add a festive touch to the occasion and symbolize the triumph of light over darkness.
A Festival of Togetherness and Gratitude
At its core, Makar Sankranti is a celebration of unity and gratitude. It is a time for people to gather with family and friends, exchange sweet treats, and offer prayers of thanks for the harvest. The festival fosters a sense of community, as people from all walks of life come together to celebrate the abundance of nature and the blessings of the sun god.
A Time to Renew and Reflect
Makar Sankranti is also a time to reflect on personal growth and progress. As the sun begins its upward journey, many people use this time to set new goals, make resolutions, and seek spiritual renewal. It is a reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the constant opportunity for growth, both personally and professionally.
Conclusion
At Nutan Universal Academy, we believe that festivals like Makar Sankranti teach us important values such as unity, gratitude, and the importance of celebrating life. As we join in the festivities, whether through the joy of kite flying, the warmth of family gatherings, or the sense of togetherness in our communities, let’s embrace the spirit of the season.
May this Makar Sankranti bring new energy, positive changes, and abundant blessings to you and your family. Celebrate with joy, share kindness, and make this festival a memorable one!
Happy Makar Sankranti from all of us at Nutan Universal Academy!