Makar Sankranti is one of the most popular festivals in India, celebrated in different ways across the country. It is a harvest festival that marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, also known as Makar. The festival is celebrated on the 14th of January every year, and it is known by different names in different parts of India.
The Significance of Makar Sankranti
The significance of Makar Sankranti lies in the fact that it marks the end of the winter solstice and the start of longer days. It is a time for new beginnings, and people celebrate the festival by taking dips in holy rivers, offering prayers to the sun god, and exchanging sweets and gifts with their loved ones.
Celebrations Across India
Makar Sankranti is celebrated in different ways across India. In North India, it is known as Lohri and is celebrated with bonfires, singing, and dancing. In Gujarat and Maharashtra, it is known as Uttarayan and is celebrated by flying kites. In Tamil Nadu, it is known as Pongal and is celebrated by boiling rice with milk and sugar in a clay pot. In Karnataka, it is known as Sankranti and is celebrated by exchanging sugarcane, sesame seeds, and peanuts.
Food and Festivities
Food plays an important role in the celebrations of Makar Sankranti. People prepare special dishes made from sesame seeds, jaggery, and peanuts. In North India, they prepare til laddoo and chikki, while in Maharashtra, they prepare tilgul, a sweet made from sesame seeds and jaggery. In Tamil Nadu, they prepare pongal, a sweet dish made from rice and milk.
The Joy of Kite Flying
The joy of kite flying is an integral part of Makar Sankranti celebrations in Gujarat and Maharashtra. People of all ages come together to fly kites of different shapes and sizes. The sky is filled with colorful kites, and there is a sense of joy and excitement in the air.
The Spirit of Giving
The spirit of giving is also an important aspect of Makar Sankranti. People donate clothes, food, and money to the poor and needy. They also give gifts to their friends and family members as a token of love and appreciation.
Conclusion
Makar Sankranti is a festival that celebrates the spirit of new beginnings, joy, and generosity. It is a time for people to come together, forget their differences, and celebrate the richness and diversity of Indian culture. Whether it is flying kites, preparing special dishes, taking dips in holy rivers, or exchanging gifts, Makar Sankranti is a festival that brings people closer and spreads happiness and cheer.
