Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is a very important and joyful festival which is famous for its sesame sweets and kite flying. On the day of Makar Sankranti, Sun starts its northward movement in the Makar Rashi (Capricorn). It is the day which marks the arrival of spring in India.
History
Makar Sankranti is celebrated on the 1st day of Magh according to Hindu calendar. It is the festival of happiness of getting new crops for formers. It also signifies the end of winter solstice. It makes days last longer than nights.
Significance of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti has an astrological significance. On this day the sun enters to the Capricorn zodiac. Due to the precision of the Earth’s axis causes Makar Sankranti to move over ages. Almost thousand years ago, Makar Sankranti was on 31 December and is now on 14 January. It is mainly a harvest festival in India. But, apart from harvest festival it is also regarded as the beginning of an auspicious phase in Indian culture. It is a holy phase of transition.
Traditions and Rituals
Makar Sankranti is a very traditional festival in India. On this day, women offer shreemangalchandika prapatti. People appreciate and wish each other as it is a festival of thanksgiving. Kids and younger ones wear new clothes, eat til-gud laddus and fly kites to celebrate this fest. People also take bath in holy rivers and start a new beginning, a new resolution and commitment.
Some interesting facts about Makar Sankranti:
- It is one of the few Indian festivals that falls on the same day every year according to Gregorian calendar.
- It is known as Makar Snakranti because “Makar” is a Rashi (sun-sign) in Hindi (Capricorn in English) and “Sankranti” means movement.
- Makar Sankranti festival falls on equinox when day and night are equally long.
- It is a very popular festival and is celebrated throughout India from north to south and east to west. As it is most popular as Makar Sankranti in west India, in south India it is known as Pongal. It is known as Lohri in north India. Actually, this festival has many different names.
- Til-Gud laddos and chikkis are generally eaten on this festival. This is afamous saying that “til-gud ghya ani gud-gud bola” means “eat these sesame seeds and jaggery and speak sweet words”. It is a festival of bonding where every member of society to asked to bury the hatchet with enemies and live with peace and love.