Makarsankranti

Makar Sankranti: Celebrating the Harvest and the Sun's Journey

Makar Sankranti, one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India, marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign Capricorn (Makara). Observed annually on January 14th, this festival holds deep cultural, agricultural, and spiritual significance. It is a time for thanksgiving, celebration, and renewal as people welcome longer days and the harvest season.

The Astronomical Significance

Makar Sankranti is based on the solar calendar, unlike most Indian festivals tied to the lunar calendar. It signifies the Sun's northward journey, or Uttarayana, which is considered an auspicious phase in Hindu tradition. The festival aligns with the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer daylight hours.

Regional Names and Celebrations

The festival's charm lies in its diversity. While the essence remains the same, Makar Sankranti is celebrated with unique names and traditions across India:

• Pongal in Tamil Nadu: A four-day harvest festival that includes cooking a special dish called "Pongal," made of freshly harvested rice, milk, and jaggery.
• Lohri in Punjab: Celebrated a day before Makar Sankranti, Lohri involves bonfires, folk songs, and dances, honoring the winter harvest.
• Uttarayan in Gujarat: Known for its vibrant kite-flying competitions, Uttarayan is a spectacle of color and joy.
• Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu in Assam: A festival marked by feasts, traditional games, and community bonfires.
• Khichdi Parv in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar: People prepare and share khichdi, a dish made of rice and lentils, as part of the celebrations.