Makara Sankranti, Festival of Unity Prosperity and Joy

14/01/2024, SUN

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As this is the festive season, let me take this opportunity to share a few words with you all about the role Makara Sankranti plays all that it symbolizes in our lives.

Sankranti, also known as Makar Sankranti, is a Hindu festival that marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn). It usually takes place around January 14th every year. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and varies in name and traditions across different regions of India. Here are some key aspects of the significance, symbolism, and traditions associated with Sankranti:

Solar Transition and Harvest Festival:

Sankranti is primarily a solar event that marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days. It is also considered a harvest festival in many parts of India, as it signifies the time when crops like sugarcane, sesame, and pulses are harvested.

Symbolism of Sun and Light:

The movement of the Sun into the northern hemisphere is associated with the triumph of light over darkness, symbolizing knowledge, wisdom, and the dispelling of ignorance.The festival represents the gradual increase in daylight and the promise of warmer days ahead.

Traditional Rituals and Customs:

People take ritual baths in rivers, especially in the Holy Rivers, and offer prayers to the Sun god during this time.

Flying kites is a popular tradition during Sankranti, symbolizing the breaking free from the darkness of ignorance into the bright light of knowledge.

Bonfires and Community Celebrations:

In some regions, Bhogi Mantalu, bonfires are lit on the eve of Sankranti, symbolizing the end of the winter season and the onset of longer days.

Community gatherings, cultural programs, and feasts are common during the festival, fostering a sense of unity and togetherness.

Special Foods:

Special dishes are prepared using newly harvested crops. In many places, sesame seeds and jaggery are used to make sweets like tilgul (sesame and jaggery laddoos). Pongal, a dish made with newly harvested rice, is a popular delicacy in South India during this festival.

Regional Variations:

Sankranti is celebrated under different names such as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayan in Gujarat, Lohri in Punjab, and Magh Bihu in Assam.The traditions and customs associated with Sankranti can vary across regions, reflecting the diversity of Indian culture.

Cattle Worship:

In some rural areas, cattle are adorned with colorful accessories and worshiped during Sankranti as they play a crucial role in agriculture.

Charity and Good Deeds:

The festival emphasizes the importance of charity and helping those in need. Many people donate food, clothing, and other essentials to the less fortunate.

In summary, Sankranti holds cultural, agricultural, and spiritual significance in India. It is a time for rejoicing, gratitude, and the renewal of life as nature begins to bloom after the winter season.

Here are my greetings for you all and blessings for all the children.