Makar Sankranti is an important festival that falls when the sun enters the sign of Capricorn, a festival based on the rich Indian heritage, The name of this astronomical event translates literally into the meaning ‘the transition of Makar,’ which marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of the longer warmer days. It is a festival widely observed throughout India and is a lively and significant event that combines religious observance, agricultural appreciation, and communal spirit.
Makar Sankranti is celebrated with unique customs across different states, such as Lohri in Punjab, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, and the Kite Festival aka Uttarayan in Gujarat, each adding its regional touch.
Significance of Makar Sankranti
Essentially, Makar Sankranti symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. This astronomical event is not just a shift in the position of the sun but it is also symbolic of renewal, prosperity, and the strengthening of bonds within families and communities. To Hindus, the festival holds deep religious meaning. Devotees worship Surya, the sun god, considering him the cosmic source of energy, life, and enlightenment. Religious people perform rituals in holy rivers on this holiest day of holy day to purify their souls of sins, like they consider bathing in river Ganga. Ganga River is considered the holiest river among rivers.
Mythologically, Makar Sankranti is associated with the triumph of good over evil, which is represented by the victory of Lord Vishnu over the demon Sankarasura. It marks the beginning of the harvest season agriculturally, a time for farmers to express gratitude for their yield and seek blessings for future prosperity.
Regional Celebrations and Traditions
Makar Sankranti is celebrated with different traditional values and celebrations in the different states of the country as a whole, which indicates unity in diversity in terms of culture as well.
Punjab: Lohri
Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Lohri, in Punjab. This festival started with bonfires, folk dances, and the sweets of jaggery and sesame seeds distributed among each other. The families gathered around the bonfires and sang folk songs enjoying togetherness and the warmth of being around each other.
Tamil Nadu: Pongal
Pongal is the four-day harvest festival in Tamil Nadu where families cook the first harvest in decorated clay pots and offer dishes like Sweet Pongal made from rice, jaggery, and ghee. The aroma of freshly prepared food fills the air, and traditional rituals add holiness to the festival.
Gujarat: Kite Festival
The festival has been modified and is now referred to as the International Kite Festival aka Uttarayan in Gujarat. The entire sky is filled with multicoloured kites which are in various shapes and sizes and looks like a painting to the heavens, removing darkness, and bringing hope and cheerfulness.
Maharashtra: Exchange of Til and Gul
People exchange sweets made of sesame seeds and jaggery while saying, "Til gul ghya, god god bola," in Maharashtra to celebrate harmony and goodwill. This sweet exchange represents the importance of cultural beliefs in the aspect of creating fresh beginnings and positivity in relationships.
Food and Celebration of Makar Sankranti
Food remains a major celebration of Makar Sankranti, each region having unique delicacies it offers, predominantly sesame seeds and jaggery.
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Til Laddoo: It is the roasted sesame seeds and molten jaggery used to prepare a delicious sweet treat. These balls are thought to bring luck and good health.
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Gajak: North India is famous for its crispy bars made of sesame seeds and jaggery known as Gajak. The crunchy delight has always been good for snacking while flying kites or other family get-togethers.
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Puran Poli: This Maharashtrian specialty is essentially sweet bread with wheat flour and lentils in it (moong dal), jaggery, and even ghee while serving. Such a delicate preparation is savored during the festival.
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Sweet Pongal: In South India, this has to be the Sweet Pongal. Prepared by rice, jaggery, and ghee, this recipe is also done with cardamom and goes as a religious offering, just like all of them.
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Khichdi: Khichdi, made from rice and moong dal, is a very common preparation on Makar Sankranti. Topped with ghee, it feels warm and nourishing.
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Undhiyu: Undhiyu is a mixed vegetable cuisine which slow-cooked with a variety of spices and is the specialty of Gujarat. This dish is traditionally prepared during Makar Sankranti, which includes all the seasonal vegetables like yam, potatoes, and beans, cooked together in an earthen pot. It is often enjoyed with Puris or Jalebi.
Makar Sankranti is more than just a festival; it is a celebration of life, the natural world, and cultural variety. Makar Sankranti unites people from all over India and promotes unity, joy, and thankfulness due to its astronomical significance and rich culinary traditions. The event has the ability to bring people together which helps to overcome the geographical and cultural barriers and acts as a reminder of India's shared heritage, which is its fundamental quality.
