ॐ सूर्याय नम:
Om Suryaya Namah Salutations to the Sun
Makar Sankranti is a festival that celebrates change and the arrival of new beginnings with warmth and enthusiasm. It is the only Hindu festival based on the solar calendar instead of lunar, it falls on January 14th or 15th each year.
Why Do We Celebrate Makar Sankranti?
Makar means Capricorn and Sankranti means movement. It marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, or Makara.
Makar Sankranti is one of the most popular and widely celebrated festivals in India. It is a harvest festival that marks the end of winter and the beginning of longer days, which is very important for crops to grow.
Makar Sankranti is also known as the kite festival as kite flying in the different parts of the country is the key theme of this festival. People from all parts of the country celebrate this festival with great joy and enthusiasm.
Let’s learn more about the history, scientific background, celebrations, and importance of Makar Sankranti and relish how this festival unites people of diverse cultures and traditions.
The History of Makar Sankranti
The festival of Makar Sankranti has a rich history in Indian traditions. According to the Hindu belief, on this day, the Sun God, Surya, visits the house of his son, Shani. This symbolizes the strengthening of the bond between father and son.
Another story behind Makar Sankranti is that Bhishma Pitamah from the Mahabharata chose this auspicious day to leave his body and attain salvation (Mukti).
The festival is mentioned in ancient texts like the Puranas, which highlight its significance as a day of new beginnings and positivity.
The Scientific Significance of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti celebrates the Sun’s Journey from the Southern Hemisphere towards the Northern Hemisphere of the Earth. This movement of the sun toward the north is known as the Uttarayan (northern journey).
This transition is called the Winter Solstice, after which the days start becoming longer, and nights shorter. It is an important day because it signals the end of the cold winter season and the arrival of warmer days, which is essential for crops to grow.
How is Makar Sankranti Celebrated?
Makar Sankranti is one of the few festivals, celebrated across India with different names and rituals but with the same joy and spirit.
Celebration of Makar Sankranti in different states of the country.
Uttar Pradesh and Bihar: People take a holy dip in rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Godavari, which symbolises the cleansing of the soul. They prepare khichdi and distribute sesame seeds and jaggery sweets.
Punjab and Haryana: A day before Makar Sankranti, the people of Punjab and Haryana celebrate Lohri with bonfires, dancing, and singing. On the day of Sankranti, people enjoy eating makki di roti and sarson da saag.
Gujarat: The International Kite Festival in Gujarat is one of the biggest attractions during the time of Makar Sankranti. The skies are filled with colourful kites, and people enjoy competing with each other.
Maharashtra: Women exchange sweets made of sesame seeds and jaggery, like tilgul ladoos, and say, "Tilgul ghya ani god god bola," meaning "Take these sweets and speak sweetly."
Tamil Nadu: In Tamil Nadu, the festival is called Pongal and lasts for four days. People prepare a special dish called Pongal made of rice, milk, and jaggery.
West Bengal: People celebrate with Pithe, a traditional rice cake, people take part in the Ganga Sagar Mela, held during Makar Sankranti and take dips in the holy Ganga river.
Assam: The festival is known as Magh Bihu. Bonfires are lit, feasts are prepared, and traditional games are played.
Why is Makar Sankranti Important?
Makar Sankranti is a festival that celebrates the association of nature and human life. It is the day to thank the Sun God for providing energy for crops to grow and the sustenance of life on Earth. Farmers express their gratitude for the harvest and pray for a good year ahead. The festival also spreads the message of unity and togetherness as people come together to celebrate.
Makar Sankranti teaches us to let go of the past and welcome the new beginning in life. Sharing sweets made of sesame and jaggery symbolizes spreading sweetness and warmth in relationships. On Makar Sankranti people donate food, clothes, and money to the needy, encouraging people to be more kind and compassionate towards others.
Conclusion
Makar Sankranti is a beautiful festival that celebrates life, nature, and relationships. It reminds us to respect nature, cherish our traditions, and spread kindness and positivity in the world. It is a day filled with joy, gratitude, and hope for a brighter future.
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