Makar Sankranti festival is a vibrant and joyous Hindu festival celebrated across India. It marks the beginning of longer days and the harvest season. This guide will help you understand this important festival’s rich traditions, diverse celebrations, and deep significance.
What is Makar Sankranti Festival?
Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival that usually falls on January 14th or 15th each year. In 2025, it will be celebrated on January 14th. The name “Makar Sankranti” comes from two words:
- Makar: The zodiac sign Capricorn
- Sankranti: Transition
This festival marks the sun’s journey into the Capricorn constellation, signalling the end of winter and the start of longer, warmer days.
Significance of Makar Sankranti Festival
Makar Sankranti festival holds great significance for several reasons:
- New Beginnings: It’s seen as a fresh start, similar to New Year’s Day.
- Gratitude: People thank the sun and earth for good crops.
- Community: It brings families and neighbors together.
- Cultural Heritage: The festival keeps ancient traditions alive.
How to Celebrate Auspicious Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti festival celebrations vary across India, but some common traditions include:
1. Kite Flying
In many regions, especially Gujarat, the sky fills with colorful kites. People of all ages participate in friendly kite-flying competitions.
2. Sharing Sweets
Special treats made from sesame seeds and jaggery are shared among friends and family.
3. Holy Dips
Some people bathe in sacred rivers like the Ganges, believing it washes away sins.
4. Sun Worship
Many offer prayers to the sun god, thanking it for its life-giving energy.
5. Bonfires
In some areas, people gather around bonfires to stay warm and sing traditional songs.
Makar Sankranti Across India
One of the most fascinating aspects of Makar Sankranti festival is how it’s celebrated differently in various parts of India. Let’s explore some regional variations:
Gujarat: The Kite Festival
In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti festival is synonymous with the International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad. The sky becomes a canvas of colors as people fly kites of all shapes and sizes.
Maharashtra: Til-Gul Exchange
People exchange til-gul (sesame and jaggery sweets) and say, “Til-gul ghya, god god bola,” which means “Eat these sweets and speak sweetly all year.”
Tamil Nadu: Pongal
Here, the festival is called Pongal and lasts for four days. A special rice dish, also called Pongal, is cooked in new pots as an offering to the sun god.
Punjab: Lohri
The night before Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Lohri festival. People light bonfires and toss puffed rice and popcorn into them as offerings.
Assam: Magh Bihu
Known as Magh Bihu, this celebration includes feasts and outdoor games. People build temporary huts called ‘meji’ and ‘bhelaghar‘ for community gatherings.
West Bengal: Poush Sankranti
In West Bengal, it’s called Poush Sankranti. People make pitha, special sweet dumplings, as part of the celebration.
The Kite Flying Tradition
Kite flying during Makar Sankranti festival is more than just a game – it’s an art form and a beloved tradition. Here’s why it’s so special:
- It encourages outdoor activity during winter.
- The colorful kites symbolize the bright future ahead.
- It brings communities together in friendly competition.
- The act of flying kites is said to symbolize reaching for one’s goals.
The most famous kite festival happens in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Kite flyers from around the world come to showcase their skills. You might see kites as large as cars or as tiny as your hand, all dancing in the sky!
Sweet Treats of Makar Sankranti
(Image source: http://ikf.gujarattourism.com)
No festival is complete without special food, and Makar Sankranti festival has some of the most delicious treats:
- Til Ladoo: Small, round sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery.
- Puran Poli: A sweet flatbread stuffed with a tasty filling of jaggery and lentils.
- Pongal: A sweet rice dish made in Tamil Nadu.
- Pithe: Rice flour dumplings popular in West Bengal.
These sweets aren’t just delicious; they’re also considered healthy for the winter season!
Makar Sankranti and Other Harvest Festivals
Makar Sankranti is part of a larger family of harvest festivals in India. Some others include:
- Pongal in Tamil Nadu
- Lohri in Punjab
- Bihu in Assam
- Uttarayan in Gujarat
All these festivals celebrate farmers’ hard work and nature’s bounty. They remind us to be thankful for the food we eat and the natural cycles that make it possible.
The History of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti festival has been celebrated for thousands of years. In ancient times, it marked the beginning of the new year in the Hindu calendar.
There are many interesting stories associated with this day:
- One famous tale is about a warrior named Bhishma from the epic Mahabharata. It’s said he chose to leave the world on this day because it’s considered very auspicious.
- Another story tells of the Sun God visiting his son, Shani (Saturn), on this day. This legend teaches about family bonds and forgiveness.
Modern Celebrations
While Makar Sankranti is an ancient festival, the way people celebrate keeps evolving:
- Eco-friendly Kites: Many now use kites made from biodegradable materials to protect birds and the environment.
- Virtual Celebrations: In recent years, people have found ways to celebrate online with far-away family members.
- Fusion Foods: Chefs are creating new twists on traditional Sankranti sweets to appeal to younger generations.
- Social Media Sharing: Young people often share their Sankranti experiences on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
- Cultural Programs: Schools and communities organize events to teach children about the festival’s traditions and significance.
Why Makar Sankranti Matters Today
In our busy modern world, festivals like Makar Sankranti are more important than ever. They:
- Connect us to Nature: Remind us of changing seasons and our link to the natural world.
- Bring Families Together: Create time for families to gather and make memories.
- Keep Traditions Alive: Help us remember and celebrate our cultural heritage.
- Build Community Spirit: Bring neighborhoods together through shared activities.
- Encourage Gratitude: Remind us to be thankful for what we have.
Conclusion
Makar Sankranti festival is more than just a day on the calendar. It’s a time of joy, community, and new beginnings. Whether you’re flying a kite, sharing sweets, or simply enjoying time with family, you’re part of a tradition that has brought happiness to people for thousands of years.
Every Makar Sankranti is a chance to appreciate the warmth of the sun, the company of loved ones, and the sweet taste of tradition. It’s a reminder that even as the world changes, some things – like the joy of flying a kite or sharing a meal – remain beautifully the same.
We’d love to hear from you! How do you celebrate Makar Sankranti? Do you have any special family traditions? Share your stories in the comments and let’s learn about all the wonderful ways this festival brings people together across India!