India is called the land of various cultures and traditions. We Indians celebrate all the festivals with great excitement. Makar Sankranti is one of those festivals that the whole India celebrates under multiple names: Shishur Sankranti in J&K, Lohri in Punjab and Haryana, Khichdi in the Uttar Pradesh region, Bihu in Assam, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, or Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
All the people in India observe this joyous day in their own way. It is a prominent festival in the Hindu calendar and is followed with terrific enthusiasm. Makar Sankranti signifies the Sun's shift into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar). Celebrated annually on January 14th or 15th, this festival marks the beginning of the harvest season and the conclusion of winter. The skies are broadly laden with colorful kites and yellow hues.
Unique ways to celebrate Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti has so many reasons associated with it to celebrate it every year across the country. Here are a few cultural practices that vary from region to region and are observed with great energy.
- Harvest festival
Makar Sankranti is known to signify the beginning of the harvest season and the end of the winter season. Farmers celebrate this day by thanking the Sun God for the good harvest and seeking blessings for prosperity in the coming year. The festival is particularly important for people involved in agriculture, as it is a time of abundance and new beginnings.
- Kite flying
One of the most famous traditions associated with Makar Sankranti is kite flying. In many parts of India, especially in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, people take to the skies with colorful kites. The sight of the sky filled with vibrant kites symbolizes joy and freedom.
- Bonfires and lighting of lamps
In many regions, people light bonfires or lamps to mark the occasion. This is a way of celebrating the arrival of longer, warmer days. The fire represents the victory of light over darkness and the promise of a brighter future. In some places, people perform rituals around the bonfire, singing songs, dancing, and enjoying the warmth of the flames.
- Tilgul tradition
In Maharashtra and many other parts of India, a traditional sweet made of sesame seeds (til) and jaggery (gul) is exchanged between friends and family. You might have heard tilgul that is shared with the saying, “Tilgul ghya, god god bola”, which means, “Accept these tilgul sweets and speak sweetly.” This tradition symbolizes spreading warmth, good wishes, and positive energy.
The Importance of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti holds immense spiritual significance. It represents the movement of the Sun from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere, commonly referred to as Uttarayan.
According to Hindu belief, the period of Uttarayan is considered highly auspicious, and it is believed that any good deeds performed during this time will bring great rewards. People also take holy dips in rivers, especially in places like Varanasi, to purify themselves and seek blessings for a prosperous life.
As the days grow longer, it is believed to be a good time to let go of negativity and embrace positivity. It’s a time for renewal, self-improvement, and community bonding.
Conclusion
Makar Sankranti is more than just a festival; it is a celebration of nature’s rhythms, the Sun’s power, and the bountiful harvests that come with it. Whether it’s the joyous kite flying, the warmth of family gatherings, or the deep spiritual significance, this festival brings people together, spreading happiness, hope, and unity.
It makes India a land of cultural diversity where one festival is celebrated in various regions with different names. It’s a reminder to cherish life's good things and welcome new beginnings with open arms.
