Makar Sankranti, one of India’s most cherished festivals, is celebrated with immense enthusiasm and joy. It marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar), signifying the end of winter and the arrival of the harvest season. This auspicious occasion is celebrated across India with different names and unique customs. Whether it’s known as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Maghi in Punjab, Uttarayan in Gujarat, or Makara Vilakku in Kerala, Makar Sankranti is a festival that unites people in the spirit of thanksgiving for a good harvest and celebrating nature’s abundance.
Let’s explore the significance, history, customs, and the ways in which people celebrate Makar Sankranti, as well as the traditions that make it a unique festival in each region.
What is Makar Sankranti?
Makar Sankranti is primarily a harvest festival that signifies the Sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar Rashi). It usually falls on January 14th, marking the start of longer days and the end of the winter solstice. Unlike other Indian festivals that follow the lunar calendar,it is celebrated according to the solar calendar, making it one of the most unique festivals in Hindu culture.
The festival has immense cultural, spiritual, and agricultural significance. It is a time for people to thank the Sun God for a bountiful harvest and seek blessings for the future. Celebrations are not just about merrymaking, but they also include rituals that cleanse both the mind and body, offering a spiritual renewal.
Why Do We Celebrate Sankranti?
Makar Sankranti is celebrated for multiple reasons:
- Harvest Festival: It marks the time when farmers gather their winter harvest. The Sun is worshipped as a symbol of warmth and abundance, which is believed to help crops grow.
- Religious Significance: It is considered auspicious to perform rituals such as taking holy dips in rivers like the Ganga. This act of purification is believed to cleanse one’s sins and bring spiritual renewal.
- Cultural Importance: The festival is a time for community gatherings, enjoying traditional foods, and engaging in regional customs such as flying kites, dancing, and singing.
The History of Makar Sankranti
The roots of this festival lie deep in Hindu mythology. According to ancient scriptures, the day marks the victory of Lord Vishnu over the demon Sankarasura. This triumph symbolizes the victory of good over evil. As part of the myth, it is believed that Bhishma Pitamah from the Mahabharata chose to leave his mortal body on this day, adding to the spiritual significance of Makar Sankranti.
Moreover, Makar Sankranti celebrates the Sun God’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, marking the beginning of the northern journey (Uttarayan) of the Sun. It’s considered a time when the days begin to get longer, bringing warmth and light after the cold winter months.
How is Makar Sankranti Celebrated?
Across the diverse regions of India, This festival is celebrated with various customs. Here are some common practices:
1. Flying Kites
One of the most iconic aspects of Makar Sankranti is kite flying. This tradition is especially popular in Gujarat, where the festival is known as Uttarayan. The skies are filled with colorful kites as people engage in friendly kite-flying competitions. It is a thrilling and joyous activity, where individuals try to cut each other’s kites in a sport known as patang baazi.
2. Traditional Foods
Food plays an essential role in the celebration. Each region has its own signature sweets and dishes, often made from ingredients that are available during the winter harvest. Some of the most popular foods include:
- Til Laddoo (Tilgul): Made from sesame seeds and jaggery, these sweet treats are exchanged among friends and family with the saying, “Tilgul ghya, god bola,” which translates to “Eat sesame and jaggery, and speak sweet words.”
- Pongal: In Tamil Nadu, this sweet dish made of rice, jaggery, and ghee is offered to the Sun God during Pongal.
- Undhiyu: In Gujarat, Undhiyu, a mixed vegetable dish, is traditionally prepared and enjoyed with puris.
- Sarson ka Saag and Makki ki Roti: In Punjab, Sarson ka Saag (mustard greens) served with Makki ki Roti (cornmeal flatbread) is a staple dish during celebrations of this festival.
- Pithe: In West Bengal, Pithe is a sweet made from rice flour and jaggery, often stuffed with coconut or khoya.
3. Holy Dips
In several parts of India, it is customary to take a holy dip in sacred rivers such as the Ganga and Yamuna. These dips are believed to cleanse the body and soul, and it is said that performing this ritual on Makar Sankranti leads to spiritual purification and the removal of past sins.
4. Bonfires and Dances
In some states, people celebrate by lighting bonfires and dancing around them. Dandiya and Garba are traditional dances performed around the fire, particularly in Gujarat. This creates a sense of unity, warmth, and celebration as people gather together to dance, sing, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
5. Worshiping the Sun
On Makar Sankranti, worshiping Lord Surya, the Sun God, is one of the most significant rituals. Devotees offer prayers, light lamps, and chant mantras to honor the Sun and ask for a good harvest, prosperity, and good health.
Makar Sankranti Decoration Ideas for Your Home
Decorating your home for Makar Sankranti can infuse the spirit of the festival into your surroundings. Here are some decoration ideas:
- Rangoli Designs: Bright, colorful rangoli designs at the entrance are a traditional way to welcome guests and invite prosperity.
- Kite-themed Decor: Paper kites or kite-shaped wall hangings can be used to reflect the vibrant spirit of the festival.
- Fairy Lights and Lanterns: Illuminate your home with fairy lights and lanterns to create a warm and welcoming ambiance.
- Traditional Items: Use earthen lamps, brass utensils, and sugarcane sticks to bring an earthy, rustic touch to your home.
- Pooja Items: Place traditional sweets such as sesame laddoos and tilgul at your pooja ghar (prayer room) to enhance the festive mood.
The Significance of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is not just about kite flying or traditional foods. It holds profound significance in various aspects of life:
- Spiritual Significance: The festival marks the beginning of the Sun’s northward journey, known as Uttarayan, bringing more warmth and light. As the days get longer, it signifies new beginnings, hope, and positivity.
- Agricultural Significance: Makar Sankranti is essentially a celebration of the harvest season, where farmers thank the Sun for a bountiful crop and pray for prosperity in the coming year.
- Cultural Unity: Despite the different names and customs, Makar Sankranti unites people across India and beyond, promoting social cohesion and a sense of community.
FAQs about Makar Sankranti
1.Why is Makar Sankranti celebrated?
Makar Sankranti is celebrated to mark the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar). The festival is dedicated to Lord Surya, the Sun God, and signifies the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season. It holds agricultural, spiritual, and cultural significance, as it is a time to thank nature for a good harvest and to celebrate prosperity.
2.When is Makar Sankranti celebrated?
Makar Sankranti is celebrated annually on January 14th. In some regions, the festival is observed on January 15th, depending on the sun’s position. The exact date varies, but it generally falls around the same time each year.
3.Is Makar Sankranti celebrated on January 14 or 15?
Makar Sankranti is typically celebrated on January 14th, but some regions celebrate it on January 15th depending on the solar transition. In 2025, Makar Sankranti will be observed on January 14.
4.What is the difference between Makar Sankranti and Lohri?
Lohri is a festival celebrated in Punjab, primarily marking the end of winter and the harvest of the rabi crops. While Makar Sankranti also marks the transition of the Sun into Capricorn, it is celebrated with different regional variations across India. Lohri is celebrated in January, often before Makar Sankranti.
5.What is Makar Sankranti called in Kerala?
In Kerala, Makar Sankranti is known as Makaravilakku. It is celebrated at the Sabarimala Temple, where devotees gather to witness the ritual lighting of lamps, marking the arrival of Makar Sankranti.
6.What is the scientific reason for Makar Sankranti?
It marks the sun’s northward movement into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar). This transition signifies longer days and is considered a time of spiritual renewal and hope, as it marks the end of winter and the start of a new agricultural cycle.
7.Can we eat non-veg on Makar Sankranti?
On Makar Sankranti, many people follow certain dietary restrictions. It is considered inauspicious to consume non-vegetarian food, garlic, or onions on this day. Devotees prefer to eat pure, vegetarian foods, particularly traditional sweets made of sesame and jaggery.
8.What happens if someone dies on Makar Sankranti?
According to Hindu mythology, the day of Makar Sankranti is significant because it marks the victory of Lord Vishnu over the demon Sankarasura. It is believed that those who pass away on Makar Sankranti attain moksha (liberation) and go directly to paradise.\
9.Is Makar Sankranti a good day?
Yes, Sankranti is considered an auspicious and positive day. It marks the Sun’s transition into Capricorn (Makar Rashi), symbolizing new beginnings, hope, and the arrival of longer days. It also marks the seasonal change from winter to the beginning of the agricultural cycle, making it a day of gratitude for the harvest and prosperity.
10.What is the difference between Makar Sankranti and Pongal?
Makar Sankranti and Pongal are essentially the same festival celebrated in different regions of India. While Makar Sankranti is celebrated in the western and northern parts of India, Pongal is the South Indian version of the festival. Both festivals are tied to the harvest and the sun’s transition, but they are celebrated with different regional customs and names.
11.Is Lohri a Sikh festival?
Yes, Lohri is a festival of great significance in Northern India, especially for Sikhs. It marks the end of winter, the arrival of longer days, and the harvest of crops. It is celebrated by Sikhs and Hindus in Northern India, with the most significant celebrations occurring in Punjab.
12.What is the second name of Lohri?
Lohri is also known as “Lal Loi.” It is celebrated primarily in Northern India, including states like Punjab, Jammu, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, and is recognized by various communities, especially Sikhs and Hindus, around the world.
Conclusion
Makar Sankranti is a festival that celebrates the harvest, brings communities together, and marks a time of spiritual renewal and joy. Whether you’re flying kites, indulging in traditional sweets, or partaking in religious rituals, this festival creates a vibrant and positive atmosphere. It’s a time to connect with loved ones, give thanks, and embrace the promise of new beginnings. As Makar Sankranti brings warmth to the chilly winter days, let’s celebrate this day of joy, prosperity, and goodwill with open hearts and positive spirits!
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