Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti / Pongal / Celebrated on January 14, during the beginning of the month of Magh/Makar (Capricorn, Zodiac Month), Makar Sankranti is a period called Uttarayan (Uttar - north; ayan - movement) when the transit of sun into the northern hemisphere takes place. It marks the change in season and celebration to mark the end of winter.Variations:In Punjab it is celebrated as Lohri. In Bihar, it is Sankranti. In West Bengal & Assam, it is Bhogali Bihu. In Gujarat & Rajasthan - Uttarayan (Kite flying festival). In Tamil Nadu, it is Pongal. In Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh it is Sankranthi. In Kerala Makara Vilakku Festival in Sabarimala Temple. Other parts of India it is Makara Sankranti.Religious Significance:It is believed that the gods have slumbered for six long months awake and the portals of heaven are opened! People visit temples and do charity lavishly. People start fresh cultivation for the coming seasons. Harvesting takes place related to the region and crops. Since Sun is believed to be the god that gives and light and life, this is actually a thanksgiving festival to Sun God.Food, Fun & FairsOn this day, people prepare varieties of dishes depending on the places they belong and with more traditional and auspicious values.Punjabis prepare sarson ka saag (mustard leaves and spices) & makki ki roti (maize flat bread). Biharis prepare Choora-dahi (flattened rice and curd). In Gujarat, multi-colored tilguds made from til (sesame seeds) and sugar and til-laddus made from til and jaggery are the main recipe prepared on this day. In Tamil Nadu, pongal is the special recipe that is prepared on this particular day. In Karnataka, pongal, and laddus or other sweets of Til & Gur are prepared. In Andra Pradesh, sweet pongal along with other sweets are prepared.On this occasion, people from the south enjoy cooking pongal in front of the courtyard and offer it to Sun god. Unmarried girls design rangolis in front of the courtyard especially in Andra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. In Gujarat, people spend time flying kites. Kites are good market during this season. In Punjab, the dance around bonfire offering tills and puffed rice to the fire.In South the festival is celebrated for 3 to 4 days. The second day is thanksgiving day for farmers. The third day is the thanksgiving day for Cattle and fourth day fun & fairs. Family and friends get together to enjoy the occasion. They exchange sweets and happiness to friends and neighbors.Many fairs are held on Makar Sankranti, like Kumbh Mela (every 12 years), or Magh Kumbamela every year. Bikanar festival in Rajasthan. International Kite Festival in Gujarat. Jallikkattu in Tamil Nadu.Wish You All A Happy Makar Sankranthi/Sankranti/PongalPhotos:Kamala L.; Meanest Indian; entrelec ; Velacherry Balu ; Prakhar

Makar Sankranti in other blogs:

Makar Sankranti, Uttarayan & Pongal (Jan 14-15, 2008)