Here we have 7 amazing facts about Makar Sankranti that will be additional fillip to enhance your understanding and make your celebrations all the more meaningful.This is a festival, commonly celebrated with much fervor across India, to mark the transit of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn or Makar and the onset of longer days. This festival is usually related to kites, sweets, and community celebrations, and has far deeper cultural and spiritual invocations.
Table of Contents
1. A Festival of Universal Significance
Makar Sankranti is one of the few Hindu festivals that are celebrated according to the solar calendar, and hence, its date is fixed as January 14th or 15th every year. This is a rare phenomenon in Indian festivals, which are mostly lunar calendar-based. It marks the Sun’s journey northward (Uttarayan), which is considered to be a very auspicious period in Indian traditions.
Cultural Diversity in Celebration
The very spirit of the festival is the same, but its name and its rituals are different in various regions:
- Pongal in Tamil Nadu
- Uttarayan in Gujarat
- Maghi in Punjab and Haryana
- Bhogali Bihu in Assam
- Khichdi in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
All these variants of the festival highlight the rich diversity of Indian culture, in food, rituals, and traditions.
2. The Science Behind Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is not only a religious festival; it has astronomical importance as well. It is the last day of winter solstice and marks the beginning of longer, warmer days as the Sun enters into Capricorn. This phase is considered to be a “holy phase of transition” in Hindu philosophy.
Relation with Agriculture
This marks the onset of harvest, so Makar Sankranti is the festival of prosperity and bountiful yield for farmers. It is time to thank nature for its luscious crops.
3. Kite Flying: More Than Just Fun
Kite flying is the most iconic symbol of Makar Sankranti. People of all ages participate in this joyful activity by painting the skies with colors. But do you know there’s a deeper meaning to it?
Symbolism and Benefits
The kites represent the soaring spirit of life and aspirations.
Under the Sun, kite flying helps absorb Vitamin D during the winter season.
The event encourages social bonding as friends and families come together to compete and celebrate.
Kite Festivals Across India
- Ahmedabad: Hosts the International Kite Festival, which attracts people from all corners of the globe.
- Jaipur: This is a place known for its bright kite-flying competitions.
- Delhi: The rooftops of the city come alive with kites of all shapes and sizes.
4. Sweet Treats with a Purpose
Til (sesame) and jaggery or gur must find their place in any celebration of Makar Sankranti. For one, apart from the delicious taste, the ingredients have symbolic value and are beneficial for health:
Why Til and Gur?
- Symbolism: Til signified unity and togetherness, while jaggery symbolized sweetness in relationships.
- Health Benefits: Both were good sources of energy and kept the body warm in winter.
Traditional Recipes
Some popular sweets made on Makar Sankranti are:
- Tilgul Ladoo : Sesame seeds and jaggery balls.
- Puran Poli: Jaggery and lentil filled sweet flatbread.
- Pongal: Jaggery and lentils-based rice preparation cooked with dry fruits.
- Gur Chikki: Crunchy brittle made of jaggery and peanuts is everybody’s favorite.
Regional Dishes
- Punjab: Relishes makki di roti with sarson da saag.
- Tamil Nadu: Savor the Sweet Pongal rice pudding.
- Bihar: Has Litti Chokha accompanied by gur sweets.
5. A Charity Day for Good Deeds
Makar Sankranti emphasizes the importance of sharing and caring. On this day, people perform daan (charity) as a way to express gratitude and seek blessings.
Common Offerings
- Til and Gur: Distributed among neighbors and the less fortunate.
- Clothes and Blankets: Donated to help those in need during the cold season.
- Khichdi: A dish made of rice and lentils, often served to the poor.
Importance of Daan
Charity during Makar Sankranti is said to cleanse one’s soul and bring prosperity. The temples and community centers also conduct food drives and donation events.
6. Spiritual Practices and Rituals
The festival is full of spirituality as several rituals are performed to cleanse the soul and seek divine blessings.
Holy Baths
A dip in holy rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, or Godavari is considered to be of extreme sanctity. This is believed to cleanse sins and purify the soul.
Surya Dev (Sun God) is worshiped on this day by pouring water, offering flowers, and prayers. People thank the Sun for keeping the Earth alive and seek its blessing for good health and prosperity.
Mantras and Chants
Chanting Surya mantras like “Om Surya Namaha” is common, as it is said that it brings peace and positivity.
7. The Global Connection
Even though Makar Sankranti is a festival largely celebrated in India, other countries celebrate this festival with the same elan:
- Lohri in Punjab and Haryana, India
- Shogatsu in Japan
- Thanksgiving in the USA
- Songkran in Thailand
All of these festivals maintain a message like gratitude, harvest, bonding, and everybody’s separation from each other, which indicates general human behaviour.
International Kite Festivals
Countries like China, Thailand, and Indonesia also have kite festivals that coincide with harvest celebrations, showcasing the shared joy of flying kites as a universal activity.
8. Astrological and Spiritual Insights
Astrologically, Makar Sankranti marks the Sun’s movement into Capricorn, ruled by Saturn. This planetary alignment is considered powerful, symbolizing discipline and transformation.
Connection with Yoga and Meditation
The day is perfect for practicing yoga and meditation to absorb the positive energy of the Sun. Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) is especially significant.
A Festival That Unites
Makar Sankranti is more than just a day of rituals; it’s a celebration of life, gratitude, and togetherness. Whether through kite flying, sharing sweets, or performing charity, the festival encourages us to embrace positivity and spread joy. The festival reminds us to respect nature, cherish traditions, and strengthen bonds with loved ones.
As you celebrate this year, take some time to appreciate the deeper meanings and connect with your loved ones in meaningful ways. Spread the sweetness of tilgul, enjoy the warmth of bonfires, and let your spirits soar as high as the kites in the sky.
Happy Makar Sankranti!