New Delhi: Makar Sankranti is one of the most important festivals in India. It is a harvest festival which is usually celebrated on January 14 every year (except when it is a leap year) and crores of people in India take part in it. The day marks the transition of the sun from Sagittarius (dhanu) to Capricorn (makara) and hence, the festival is dedicated to Surya, the solar deity in India. The day marks a new beginning and many festivals are organised in the country on this occasion.
What is the significance of the Makar Sankranti?
Makar Sankranti is dedicated to the sun god Surya, whose significance can be traced to the Vedic texts especially the Gayatri Mantra, a sacred hymn of Hinduism found in Rigveda. Also, Makar Sankranti is associated with the coming of Lord Vishnu’s final avatar, Kalki.
The bathing on Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is considered to a very important occasion for spiritual practices. On this day, people take holy dip in important rivers in India, especially in Ganga, Yamuna, Krishna, Kaveri and Godavari. It is believed that the bathing results in merit or washes away past sins. Also, people pray to the Sun and thank the god for their prosperity and success.
In many parts of India, the Hindus irrespective of their regional and cultural differences, make sticky, bound sweets particularly from sesame (known as til), and a sugar base like jaggery (which can be gur). The sweet acts as a symbolism of being together in peace and joy. In several places in India, this period marks the early stages of the Rabi crop and agricultural cycle. The Makar Sankranti signifies a period of socialization and family members enjoy the company of each other, take care of the cattle and celebrate around bonfires. In Gujarat, kites are flown during Makar Sankranti.
Many people go to Gangasagar in West Bengal to take a dip on the occasion of Makar Sankranti and attend the Gangasagar Mela. In the sourthern parts of India, it is celebrated with pomp as Sankranti in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka. In Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated as Pongal and in Punjab as Maghi. The day is observed with social festivities like colourful decorations, children asking for treats, fairs, dances, kite flying, and feasts. Every 12 years, the Hindus observe Makar Sankranti with the Mahakumbh Mela. It is one of the largest mass pilgrimage in the world and an estimated 60 to 100 million people attend the event.
Makar Sankranti, a major harvest festival in India, celebrates the sun’s transition into Capricorn. Observed annually on January 14, it’s dedicated to Surya, the sun god. Key rituals include holy dips in sacred rivers, prayers for prosperity, and sharing sesame-based sweets symbolizing unity. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
