Makar Sankranti is a major festival of India, which is celebrated in the joy of the Sun entering Capricorn. From this day the Sun becomes Uttarayan, due to which the days start getting longer and the nights shorter. This festival is celebrated in different ways in different parts of the country.
In North India, bathing in the Ganges and charity have special significance. People make laddus made of sesame and jaggery on this day, which is considered a symbol of bringing sweetness in relationships. Kite flying is the most special tradition in Gujarat and Rajasthan, where the sky is filled with colorful kites. At the same time, in South India it is celebrated as ‘Pongal‘, where sweet dishes made from rice and milk are made.
Apart from this, people socialize on Makar Sankranti and enjoy the festive atmosphere. The message of this festival is the same in every tradition—to move forward in life with positivity and new energy.
Makar Sankranti traditional dishes and customs
Makar Sankranti is a festival of India, which presents a unique way of celebrating agriculture, nature and cultural diversity. Various Makar Sankranti traditions are performed on this festival, in which special dishes and customs play a major role.
In North India, it is considered mandatory to consume laddus and gajak made of sesame and jaggery on Makar Sankranti. This tradition symbolizes that sweetness and warmth remain in life. In Maharashtra, there is a custom of saying ‘Tilgul Ghya, God God Bola’ while distributing ‘Tilgul’, which gives the message of harmony and affection.
In South India, this festival is celebrated as ‘Pongal’. Here ‘Pongal’ made from rice, milk and jaggery is a special dish. Kite flying festival is celebrated in Gujarat and Rajasthan, which has become a special identity of this festival.
Along with this, bathing in the Ganges, worship of Sun God and charity have special significance on this day. These Makar Sankranti traditions not only preserve our cultural heritage but also spread unity and enthusiasm in the society.
Makar Sankranti Traditions: Where this festival is celebrated differently
Makar Sankranti is one such festival of India, which is celebrated with different customs in different states of the country. Every region has its own unique Makar Sankranti traditions, which make this festival even more special.
In North India, bathing in the Ganges on Makar Sankranti has special significance. People donate sesame, jaggery and khichdi on this day. At the same time, in Punjab and Haryana, this festival is celebrated a day before as ‘Lohri’. People celebrate happiness by lighting a bonfire and dancing and singing songs around it.
In Maharashtra, there is a tradition of distributing ’tilgul’ on Makar Sankranti, in which people try to bring sweetness in relationships by feeding sweets to each other. In Gujarat, the main attraction of this festival is kite flying. The sky full of colorful kites makes this festival wonderful.
In South India, it is celebrated as ‘Pongal‘. Here people prepare dishes made from new grains and offer them to the Sun God. Despite these varied Makar Sankranti traditions, the message of this festival remains the same—positivity, happiness, and new beginnings.
Religious activities and delicious dishes on Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is not only the festival of the Sun entering Capricorn, but it is also famous for religious beliefs and delicious dishes. There are many Makar Sankranti traditions associated with this festival, which are followed with devotion and enthusiasm throughout the country.
Religiously, Ganga bath and charity are given special importance on this day. It is believed that the donation made on the day of Makar Sankranti gives a hundred times the virtue. People wish for their prosperity and happiness by donating sesame, jaggery, blankets and food. Worshiping the Sun God and offering Arghya to him is also one of the major religious activities.
Mythological stories related to Makar Sankranti
There are many mythological stories related to Makar Sankranti, another story is related to the Mahabharata period. It is said that Bhishma Pitamah gave up his body on the day of Makar Sankranti. He waited for the Sun to move north because death during this period is considered auspicious for attaining salvation. Because of this, the spiritual significance of Makar Sankranti also increases.
Apart from this, according to mythological beliefs, Lord Vishnu killed the demons on this day and buried their heads under the Mandara mountain, which established peace on earth. On this occasion, the tradition of celebrating the festival and eating sesame-jaggery on Makar Sankranti started.
Through these Makar Sankranti traditions, this festival has become important not only from a religious but also from a social point of view.
Conclusion
Makar Sankranti is a festival that symbolizes the worship of Sun God, charity and social gathering. It not only reflects the deep roots of Indian culture, but through Makar Sankranti traditions we also strengthen our religious, cultural and family ties. The rituals of this day, consumption of sesame-jaggery and charity bring happiness and prosperity in life. Be it India or abroad, the celebration of Makar Sankranti has united the Indian community everywhere, and the happiness and gaiety of this day spreads everywhere.
FAQS
Why is Makar Sankranti celebrated?
It is celebrated to celebrate the Uttarayan of Sun God and to commemorate the harvest.
What is special on Makar Sankranti?
Donations of sesame-jaggery, kite flying, Surya Puja, and special dishes are made.
Why is donation done on Makar Sankranti?
Donation leads to attainment of virtue and this day is considered religiously auspicious.
When is the festival of Makar Sankranti celebrated?
It is celebrated every year on 14 or 15 January, when the Sun enters Capricorn.
What dishes are made on Makar Sankranti?
Sesame-jaggery laddu, khichdi, sesame-jaggery halwa and other special dishes are made.
What is the significance of Makar Sankranti?
This day is very important from a religious and spiritual point of view, especially for attainment of virtue and salvation.
Why is kite flying done on Makar Sankranti?
It is a symbol of happiness and merriment, and everyone celebrates this day joyfully.
Why are sesame and jaggery eaten on Makar Sankranti?
Sesame and jaggery are considered auspicious and holy, and are eaten to bring sweetness and prosperity in life.
Is Makar Sankranti celebrated only in India?
No, this festival is also celebrated with great pomp by Indians living abroad.
What is the special puja on Makar Sankranti?
Worship of Sun God, Havan and donation of sesame-jaggery is done.
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