Celebrate Makar Sankranti

A festival of harvest, unity, and new beginnings, marking the sun's northward journey.

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A Comprehensive Overview

Historical Origins and Mythological Stories

Makar Sankranti is an ancient festival with deep roots in Hindu legends. It's associated with the goddess Sankranti defeating the demon Sankarasur, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. The epic Mahabharata links it to Bhishma Pitamaha, who chose this auspicious day to depart from his mortal body.

Another popular legend speaks of the Sun God, Surya, reconciling with his son Shani (Saturn), promoting forgiveness and harmony. In Bengal, it commemorates the descent of the river goddess Ganga to Earth.

Spiritual Significance

Transition to Light

The festival marks the sun's entry into Capricorn and its northward journey (Uttarayana), symbolizing a move towards light, positivity, and new beginnings.

Sacred Rituals

Devotees worship the Sun God, take holy dips in rivers like the Ganga to cleanse sins, and offer prayers for prosperity. The period of Uttarayana is considered highly auspicious.

Charity and Goodwill

Sharing is a key aspect. People donate food, clothes, and money, especially sesame and jaggery, to spread blessings and foster community harmony.

Celebrations Across Different Indian States

Gujarat (Uttarayan)

Known as Uttarayan, it's a vibrant two-day kite-flying festival. Skies are filled with colorful kites as families and friends engage in friendly competitions from their rooftops. The air is filled with excitement, accompanied by traditional foods like Undhiyu and chikkis.

Maharashtra

Here, people exchange 'til-gul' (sesame and jaggery sweets) while saying, "Til gul ghya, god god bola," meaning "Eat these sweets and speak sweetly." It symbolizes forgetting past ill-will and fostering friendship. Women also hold Haldi-Kumkum gatherings.

Tamil Nadu (Pongal)

Celebrated as Pongal, this four-day harvest festival is a tribute to nature. It begins with Bhogi, followed by Thai Pongal where a sweet dish also called 'pongal' is prepared. The festival also honors cattle (Maattu Pongal) and strengthens social bonds (Kaanum Pongal).

Punjab (Lohri & Maghi)

The celebrations start with Lohri on the eve of Sankranti, featuring a grand bonfire, folk songs, and dances. The next day, Maghi, is for spiritual cleansing with holy baths. It's a time of feasting on winter delicacies and commemorating historical valor.

Assam (Magh Bihu)

Known as Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu, it's the festival of feasting. Communities build temporary huts (meji) for a grand feast on Uruka night. At dawn, the meji are burned in a ceremonial bonfire, followed by traditional games and enjoying special rice cakes (pitha).

Common Festive Wishes in Hindi

मकर संक्रांति की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ!

"Heartfelt greetings of Makar Sankranti!"

खूबसूरत पतंगों की तरह उड़े आपकी खुशियाँ।

"May your joys soar high like beautiful kites."

तिल और गुड़ की मिठास की तरह मीठा हो आपका जीवन।

"May your life be as sweet as sesame and jaggery."

रंग-बिरंगी पतंगों की तरह रंगीन हो आपका जीवन।

"May your life be as colorful as the multicolored kites."

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