January 15th holds significant religious importance among Hindus as it marks the transition of the Sun from the Dakshinayana (South) to the Uttarayana (North) hemisphere. This auspicious day signifies the Sun's movement from the Sagittarius zodiac to the Capricorn sun sign. Hindus celebrate this festival with immense fervor and enthusiasm, recognizing it as a time of transition and change in the celestial alignment.

Significance of Makar Sankranti

• Astronomical Importance: Makar Sankranti marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days as the Sun starts its northward journey, also known as the Uttarayan. This is considered a time of renewed energy and positivity.
• Harvest Festival: It is primarily a harvest festival celebrated by farmers, as it signifies the end of the winter harvest season and the onset of new crops.
• Spiritual Significance: Makar Sankranti is considered an auspicious time in the Hindu calendar, as it is associated with the Sun God (Surya). Hindus believe that bathing in holy rivers, especially the Ganges, on this day helps purify the soul and remove past sins.

Regional Celebrations of Makar Sankranti

While the festival is celebrated across India, different regions have their unique customs and names for the event. Some of the major regional variations include:

1. Pongal (Tamil Nadu)

   • Pongal is a multi-day harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu, starting on Makar Sankranti. It is named after the traditional dish made from newly harvested rice, milk, and jaggery. The festival spans four days: Bhogi, Thai Pongal, Mattu Pongal, and Kaanum Pongal.

2. Uttarayan (Gujarat)

   • In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti is popularly known as Uttarayan. The day is celebrated with vibrant kite flying, which symbolizes the ascension of spirits. The skies are filled with colorful kites as people celebrate this festival with great joy.

3. Lohri (Punjab and Haryana)

   • In Punjab and Haryana, Lohri, which falls a day before Makar Sankranti, is the major celebration. It marks the end of the winter season and is celebrated with bonfires, traditional folk dances like Bhangra and Gidda, and feasts.

4. Magh Bihu (Assam)

   • In Assam, the festival is known as Magh Bihu. It celebrates the harvest season with community feasts and various traditional games like buffalo fighting. People also construct temporary huts, known as Meji, where feasts are prepared, and then the huts are burned to mark the end of the celebrations.

5. Poush Sankranti (West Bengal)

   • In West Bengal, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Poush Sankranti. Special sweets made from sesame seeds (til) and jaggery, such as Pithe and Patishapta, are prepared. The festival also holds great religious significance with Ganga Sagar Mela, where devotees gather at the confluence of the Ganges and the Bay of Bengal.

6. Sankranti (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana)

   • In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Makar Sankranti is a four-day festival, and each day has a distinct meaning. The first day is Bhogi, followed by the main festival of Sankranti, then Kanuma, and lastly, Mukkanuma. People clean their homes, burn old things, and celebrate with feasts and dances.

7. Kite Festival (Maharashtra)

   • In Maharashtra, families come together to exchange tilgul (sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery) with the phrase "Tilgul ghya, god god bola," meaning "Take this sweet and speak sweetly." Kite flying is also a popular activity during the festival.

8. Sakraat (North India)

   • In Northern states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Makar Sankranti is known as Sakraat or Khichdi. People take holy dips in rivers like the Ganges and distribute khichdi (a dish made from rice and lentils) as a form of charity.

Traditions and Customs of Makar Sankranti

1. Holy Dips: Bathing in holy rivers such as the Ganges, Yamuna, Godavari, and Krishna is considered highly auspicious on Makar Sankranti. It is believed to purify the body and soul, wash away sins, and bring prosperity.

2. Kite Flying: In many parts of India, particularly Gujarat and Maharashtra, people celebrate Makar Sankranti by flying kites. The skies are filled with colorful kites, and it is a day-long competition to see who can cut down others' kites.

3. Sesame and Jaggery: Foods made from sesame seeds (til) and jaggery (gur) are an integral part of the festival. These foods are believed to provide warmth and energy in the winter season and hold religious significance. Tilgul laddoos, pithe, and puran poli are some popular sweets.

4. Bonfires: In Punjab and Haryana, Lohri is celebrated by lighting bonfires. People gather around the fire, sing traditional songs, and throw puffed rice, popcorn, and other offerings into the flames as a mark of respect to the Sun God.

5. Charity: Makar Sankranti is also known for its charitable aspect. People donate khichdi, clothes, food, and other essentials to the poor and needy.

6. Bull Worship: In some parts of South India, particularly in Mattu Pongal, cattle are decorated, fed, and worshipped. They play a vital role in farming, and the festival is a way to honor their contribution to agriculture.

Mythological and Historical Importance

Makar Sankranti is rooted in various Hindu myths and stories. Some of the key ones include:

• Sun God and Lord Shani: According to Hindu mythology, Makar Sankranti marks the day when the Sun God, Surya, visits his son Shani, the ruler of Capricorn. Despite their differences, this visit signifies the importance of family ties and unity.
• Sankranti and the Demon Sankarasur: It is said that Goddess Sankranti, after whom the festival is named, killed the demon Sankarasur. This symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
• Bhishma’s Liberation: In the Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah, who had the boon of choosing the time of his death, waited for Makar Sankranti to leave his mortal body. It is believed that dying during this auspicious period leads to moksha (salvation).

Foods Associated with Makar Sankranti

Different regions in India prepare unique dishes to mark the occasion. Some of the popular foods include:

• Tilgul laddoo (Maharashtra): Sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery.
• Pithe (West Bengal): Rice cakes filled with coconut and jaggery.
• Khichdi (North India): A dish made from rice and lentils, often served with ghee.
• Pongal (Tamil Nadu): A sweet dish made from newly harvested rice, milk, and jaggery.
• Ellu Bella (Karnataka): A mixture of sesame seeds, jaggery, coconut, and peanuts.

Conclusion

Makar Sankranti is more than just a harvest festival; it is a celebration of India's diverse cultural traditions. From kite flying in Gujarat to the grand feasts in Tamil Nadu, the festival brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate nature’s bounty, thank the Sun God, and embrace new beginnings. It is a time of community bonding, charity, and spiritual reflection, celebrated with joy and fervor across the country.