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Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival that marks the end of the winter season and the beginning of higher and brighter days. Sankranti celebrations are based on the lunar calendar and it is considered to be one of the most auspicious times of the year.
In this blog, we shall talk about the significance of Makar Sankranti in greater detail and also touch upon the various ways in which this day is venerated across India.
In 2024, the Makar Sankranti date will be celebrated on 15th January.
Significance Of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is a day of categorical importance in the context of social, cultural and religious realms:
- It Culminates The Winter Harvest Season
To understand the significance of Makar Sankranti, it is important to note that it marks the end of the winter harvest. Therefore, farmers heartily celebrate this time to thank Mother Nature for a successful harvest.
- Astronomical Significance
What makes Makar Sankranti special is the fact that it marks the sun's transition to a different sun-sign called Capricorn (Makar). This is an important event as per the astronomical charts.
- Cultural Significance
Makar Sankranti is celebrated in a number of ways throughout the different stages. This is because this festival holds a special sentiment across our country.
How To Celebrate Makar Sankranti Festival
Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan festival is celebrated in numerous ways to cherish abundance, express gratitude for the bounties of nature and seek blessings for holistic well-being:
Let us take a look at the traditions of different states to celebrate Makar Sankranti
- Gujarat
In Gujarat, people celebrate Makar Sankaranti by indulging in elaborate kite flying competitions post the ritualistic chanting of prayers. It is so heartwarming to see the entire sky turn into a canvas of gorgeous colours.
- Haryana
In Haryana, the Uttarayan festival is celebrated by lighting bonfires. Families gather around these bonfires and sing songs and make merry. Furthermore, boys pay a visit to their married sisters and bring them sweets and warm clothes as gifts. Elders of the family are shown respect through gifts that contain shawls, sweaters etc. Punjab
Makar Sankranti is an important festival in Punjab. It is also known as Maghi in this region. One of the most important parts of Sankranti celebrations in Punjab is to take a dip in a river early in the morning. Post that, lamps with sesame oils are lit to celebrate this day. Kite flying is also a major aspect of celebrations.
- Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, this day is celebrated by exchanging sweets made from sesame and jaggery. A very famous Marathi phrase attributed to this festival is ‘Til Ghul Gya God God Bola’ which alludes to the practice of speaking sweetly after tasting the Sankranti sweets. This day is also associated with the Pongal harvest.
- West Bengal
In West Bengal, a fair called the Ganga Sagar Mela is organised on Makar Sankranti. This is an annual occurrence and people from all across the country get together to partake in the fair. The Sankranti celebrations are also known as Poush Sankranti in this part of India.
- Assam
This festival is also known as Magh Bihu in Assam. People prepare sumptuous feasts and gather around bonfires to foster community bonding. Bamboo huts also known as Meji and Bhelaghar are also put up to celebrate this day.
- Uttarakhand
The Uttarayan festival is celebrated by eating and donating Khichdi in Uttarakhand. Khichdi is a delicious concoction of rice and lentils that personifies unity. People also partake in different fares and take dips in Holi water to celebrate this day. A fest called Khichdi mela is organised in Gorakhpur which is attended by many Woolen from all over the state and country.
- Himachal Pradesh
In Himachal Pradesh, Makar Sankranti is also known as Magha Saaji. Devotees visit the famous temples in the region and take a dip in holy water. Moreover, people also prepare yummy dishes and dress up in traditional wear to mark the celebrations.
Picture Credit:- Pinterest/PatangRetail
India is a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities. It is delightful to see that our nation celebrates culture, rituals, gratitude and faith in such a profound and beautiful manner. We hope that the above mentioned Sankranti information will acquaint you with the deep-rooted significance of this festival and fill you with more reverence about the same. From the colourful kites of Gujarat to the Ganga Sagar Mela in West Bengal, each state has a unique way of commemorating this day and fostering a sense of camaraderie with fellow devotees. If you plan to celebrate this day in the true Indian sport, we suggest you check out the ethnic wear and traditional sweets on iTokri. You can order these for personal use or for gifting to your loved ones. So, gear up and prepare yourself to rejoice in this lovely festival of thanksgiving, abundance and renewal.
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