If you like watching the sky, then your favorite festival will be Makar Sankranti,
because on Makar Sankranti, the sky is colored with colorful kites.
Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival celebrated annually on January 14th (or 15th, depending on the solar cycle) to mark the Sun’s transition into the zodiac sign Capricorn (Makara). It signifies the end of the winter solstice and the start of longer days. Observed across India, it is known by various names such as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayan in Gujarat, and Lohri in Punjab. The festival involves kite flying, bonfires, and feasts of sesame and jaggery sweets. Devotees take holy dips in rivers like the Ganges, pray to the Sun God, and seek blessings for prosperity and well-being.
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how did Makar Sankranti festival get its name ?
“Makar” refers to the zodiac sign Capricorn.
“Sankranti” means “transition” or “movement”.
The festival is named so because it marks the day when the Sun transitions into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar Rashi) according to the Hindu calendar. This celestial event is considered highly significant and marks the beginning of the Sun’s northward journey, known as Uttarayan.
How this day is celebrated in different places ?
1.North India
Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh :- Celebrated as Lohri the night before, with bonfires, traditional dances like Bhangra and Gidda, and offerings of sesame seeds, jaggery, and peanuts.
Uttar Pradesh: Known as Khichdi, people bathe in the Ganges and prepare khichdi (a rice-lentil dish).
2.East India
West Bengal :- Observed as Poush Sankranti, with traditional sweets like pithas made of rice, jaggery, and coconut. The Ganga Sagar Mela at the confluence of the Ganges and Bay of Bengal is a key highlight.
Assam :- Known as Magh Bihu, it includes feasts, bonfires, and traditional games like buffalo fights.
3.West India
Maharashtra :- People exchange tilgul (sesame and jaggery sweets) and say, “Tilgul ghya, god god bola,” meaning “Eat sweet, speak sweet.”
Gujarat and Rajasthan :- Celebrated as Uttarayan, with vibrant kite flying festivals that fill the skies with colorful kites. Special foods like undhiyu (a mixed vegetable dish) and chikki (peanut brittle) are prepared.
4.South India
Tamil Nadu :- Celebrated as Pongal, it’s a four-day harvest festival. People decorate their homes with colorful kolam (rangoli) designs, cook Pongal (a sweet rice dish) in new pots, and offer prayers to the Sun God.
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana :- Known as Pedda Panduga, involving kite flying, cultural performances, and feasting.
Assam :- Celebrated as Magh Bihu, it marks the end of the harvesting season.
People enjoy feasts, light bonfires, and perform traditional dances.
5.Central India
Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh :- Observed with rituals like kite flying, feasting, and making sweets from sesame and jaggery.
6.Countries
Nepal :- Celebrated as Maghe Sankranti, with traditional foods like sesame sweets and bathing in holy rivers.
Sri Lanka :- Known as Thai Pongal, similar to Tamil Nadu’s Pongal festival, focusing on thanksgiving to nature.
Why is Important donation on Makar Sankranti ?
Donating on Makar Sankranti is considered an auspicious act that symbolizes sharing and gratitude. It is believed that charitable acts on this day bring good fortune, blessings, and prosperity.
Divine Blessings :- Donation is believed to please the deities, particularly the Sun God (Surya Dev), and brings blessings for health, prosperity, and happiness.
Astrological Importance :- Makar Sankranti is associated with positive cosmic energy, and donating during this period is thought to mitigate the adverse effects of planets like Saturn (Shani) and strengthen beneficial influences.
Some items that are commonly donated on Makar Sankranti include :-
Sesame seeds (til)
Jaggery (gur)
Grains
Blankets
Salt
Ghee
Utensils and kitchenware
Attention
1. environmental concerns :- mass kite Flying sometimes harm birds, as they get injured or trapped in sharp strings(manja).
2. air and noise pollution :- in some regions, loudspeakers, firecrackers, or mass gatherings might disturb the peace and harm environment.
amazing and interesting facts
1. Only Fixed Date Indian Festival :- Unlike most Indian festivals that follow the lunar calendar and have variable dates, Makar Sankranti is celebrated every year on 14th or 15th January, following the solar calendar.
2. Astronomical Significance :- Makar Sankranti marks the sun’s transit into Makara Rashi (Capricorn), symbolizing the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days. This transition is considered highly auspicious in Hinduism.
3. Harvest Festival :- It is primarily a harvest festival, celebrated to thank nature for a bountiful crop. Farmers rejoice as they reap the fruits of their hard work during this period.
4. Sun God Worship :- The festival is dedicated to the Sun God (Surya), symbolizing energy, power, and life.
5. Bullock and Cattle Worship :- In rural parts of India, cattle are decorated and worshipped as they are essential to agriculture. In Tamil Nadu, this is observed as Mattu Pongal.
6.Kite Wars and Celebrations :- In Gujarat and Rajasthan, kite flying isn’t just a pastime; it’s a competitive sport. People shout “Kai Po Che!” when they cut another’s kite, which means “I’ve cut it!”
consolution.
Makar Sankranti is truly a kaleidoscope of cultures, cuisines, and rituals, making it a unique and cherished festival in India and beyond!