The entire nation is preparing for one of the most popular festivals in India, Makar Sankranti! India being a land of festivals, every month or so we have a celebration in honour of a deity or to celebrate a season.
Makar Sankranti, the first major Hindu festival celebrated (also known as Uttarayana Maghi or simply Sankranti), is the harvest festival which marks the end of winter and the beginning of longer days due to the sun's journey up the north. Interestingly, this festival is celebrated in several states though under different names. Let's find out!
When Is Makar Sankranti Celebrated:
This year Makar Sankranti takes places right after Lohri, on January 15, 2024. As per Drik Panchang's calculations, the Makara Sankranti Punya Kala will start at 7:15 am and last till 17:46 pm. The Makara Sankranti Maha Punya Kala will start at 7:15 am and last till 9:00 pm.
Different Names In Different States:
India is so diverse that the same date 15th January has multiple festivals and different meanings in various regions of India.
- In Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, it is known as Uttarayan or Kicheri.
- In Odisha, it is called Makara Chaula
- In Bihar, it is referred to as Til Sakraat or Dahi Chura
- Keralites refer to the occasion as Makaravilakku
- In Karnataka, it is called Suggi
- It is known as Pongal in Tamil Nadu
- In Maharashtra and Goa, it is known as Haldi Kumkum or Maghi Sankrant
- In Himachal Pradesh, it is called Magha Saaji
- In Assam, it is known as Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu
- In West Bengal, it is known as Poush Sankranti
Significance Of Makar Sankranti:
Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the Sun into the Makara (Capricorn) sign. The festival has seasonal as well as religious significance. It is held in honour of Surya Deva a.k.a The Sun God, the deity who is believed to have vanquished and killed a demon named Sankarasur. Many Hindus believe that those who die on Makar Sankranti, are not reborn but achieve Moksh (salvation).
How Do People Celebrate Makar Sankranti In India:
Like the names, festival rituals also differ from state to state. Pilgrims bathe in the water of the holy Ganges or other sacred rivers like Yamuna and Godavari and pay to the Sun God. Gayatri Mantra and Surya Mantra are recited in addition to worshipping Lord Sun through Surya Puja and Lord Shani.
People exchange 'gur' (jaggery), 'moofali' (roasted peanuts), and 'til laddoos' (sweets made from sesame seeds). In Hinduism, 'til' is considered to be 'sattvic' or pure. Some gift kitchenware to married and give alms to the poor. In states like Gujarat, kites are flown. In states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, khichadi is cooked and consumed.
Delicious Snacks Prepared On Makar Sankranti:
Like any other Indian festival, Makar Sankranti celebrations are accompanied by delectable snacks!
Til Laddoo
These sesame seed laddoos are a Makar Sankranti staple. Made of pure ghee, jaggery, and sesame seeds, these sweets are the perfect guilt-free snacks.
Gajak
These bite-sized snacks made from jaggery and peanuts are too hard to resist!
Makara Chaula
One of the most sumptuous desserts you will ever taste, this delectable concoction consists of fresh rice, milk, jaggery, chhena (cotage cheese), banana, and sugarcane. Sometimes it is served with a sprinkle of fresh pomegranates. This is a popular Odia dish!
Khichdi
A mainstay during Makar Sankranti festivals in UP, this is one of the most popular desi dishes. It consists of rice, lentils, spices, and a geenrous dollop of ghee!
Payesh
Bengalis are well-known for their sweet tooth. This saccharine sweet 'payesh' or porridge is a must-have dish during poush Sankranti. Milk and rice are boiled and then seasoned with khejur gur or date palm jaggery.
Puran Poli
This Maharashtrian delicacy is a type of paratha that has a filling of moong dal and jaggery.
Pinni
Made of ghee, 'atta' (wheat flour), almonds, and jaggery, 'pinni' is one of the most appetising winter snacks from Punjab. It is consumed during Lohri celebrations.
While each state has unique traditions during Makar Sankranti, the spirit with which the festival is celebrated is the same – integration, thoughtfulness, and joyousness! How do you celebrate Makar Sankranti? Tell us in the comments below.
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