Makar Sankranti is a winter festival that is celebrated with great pomp and gaiety across the country during mid January. The festival is considered to be one of the most important festivals in India and is famous for its sesame seeds and Kite flying. The day is devoted to the Sun God and prayers are offered by the people with full devotion. Literally, the term Makar stands for “Capricorn” and Sankranti means “movement”. Astrologically, this is the day when the Sun starts moving into the zodiac sign Capricorn. This festival is celebrated as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Lohri in Punjab, Uttarayan in West and Magha Bihu in the East.
Of the many sankranti that takes place throughout the year Makar Sankranti and Karka Sankranti are considered to be the most important as it brings about significant changes in our experiences. It is believed that from Makar Sankranti onwards, winter begins to take a back seat and the spring season begins to set in gradually. To mark the celebration of the day, many people cook grains that are newly harvested. And therefore, this day is also known as the harvest festival as it marks the completion of harvest and celebrations. Besides the celebrations, the day also holds some spiritual and astrological connotations.
Cultural Significance:
As per the Puranas, it is believed that on the day of Makar Sankranti, the Sun God pays a visit to his son, Saturn, who is the sign Lord of Capricorn sign signifying a healthy relationship between the father and the son. The day is also significant because it was on this specific day that Lord Vishnu defeated all the Asuras and buried their heads under the mountain of Mandara. Thus, this day also marks the beginning of righteousness and virtuousness.
This day is considered as one of the most auspiciousness days in the Hindu Calender. Before starting the day, the devotees take a holy dip at the river Ganges. Celebration of this festival might differ according to their regions. In the east, Lord Shiva is worshipped on this day and in the coastal regions, it is celebrated as the annual harvest festival. There are also places where Lord Indra is worshipped on this day. However, despite the differences in celebrating the festival, the reason for celebration is the same.
Different Ways of Celebration:
In places like Maharashtra, sweets are made from sesame seeds which are known as the tilgud and are exchanged between families after the offerings are made. In Gujarat, the kite fever grips everyone during this festivity. In a way, it can be said that this festival sets an example for the culmination of the customs and traditions across the country. In Punjab, the festival is celebrated as Lohri wherein the whole family get-together and celebrate with bonfire and food fiesta. In southern India, Makar Sankranti celebrated with grandeur lasting for three days. Offerings to the Rain God, Sun God and the family cattles are made to honour them during the three respective days.
Of the many sankranti that takes place throughout the year Makar Sankranti and Karka Sankranti are considered to be the most important as it brings about significant changes in our experiences. It is believed that from Makar Sankranti onwards, winter begins to take a back seat and the spring season begins to set in gradually. To mark the celebration of the day, many people cook grains that are newly harvested. And therefore, this day is also known as the harvest festival as it marks the completion of harvest and celebrations. Besides the celebrations, the day also holds some spiritual and astrological connotations.
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Cultural Significance:
As per the Puranas, it is believed that on the day of Makar Sankranti, the Sun God pays a visit to his son, Saturn, who is the sign Lord of Capricorn sign signifying a healthy relationship between the father and the son. The day is also significant because it was on this specific day that Lord Vishnu defeated all the Asuras and buried their heads under the mountain of Mandara. Thus, this day also marks the beginning of righteousness and virtuousness.
This day is considered as one of the most auspiciousness days in the Hindu Calender. Before starting the day, the devotees take a holy dip at the river Ganges. Celebration of this festival might differ according to their regions. In the east, Lord Shiva is worshipped on this day and in the coastal regions, it is celebrated as the annual harvest festival. There are also places where Lord Indra is worshipped on this day. However, despite the differences in celebrating the festival, the reason for celebration is the same.
Different Ways of Celebration:
In places like Maharashtra, sweets are made from sesame seeds which are known as the tilgud and are exchanged between families after the offerings are made. In Gujarat, the kite fever grips everyone during this festivity. In a way, it can be said that this festival sets an example for the culmination of the customs and traditions across the country. In Punjab, the festival is celebrated as Lohri wherein the whole family get-together and celebrate with bonfire and food fiesta. In southern India, Makar Sankranti celebrated with grandeur lasting for three days. Offerings to the Rain God, Sun God and the family cattles are made to honour them during the three respective days.
