We’re getting closer to Makar Sankranti, the fortunate date. The winter solstice has come to an end, and there is increased excitement for the start of the harvest season. This sacred holiday is observed in diverse ways throughout India. This day symbolizes the sun’s movement from Dakshinayan to Uttarayan and is marked with great pomp and fanfare. The days grow longer after Makar Sankranti, as the winter season gradually slips away.
Today we celebrated Makar Sankranti. This Hindu holiday is celebrated across India with great zeal and passion by organizing get-togethers and flying kites. People perform a holy plunge in the Ganga (Ganga can, donate and prepare Makar Sankranti special dishes such as Dahi Chuda, Khichri, and sweets made of Til or sesame, and jaggery on this day. People embrace the spring season on this day, which is also known as the start of the harvest celebration.
Why do we celebrate Makar Sankranti?
Surya Devta, or Sun God, is worshipped during this festival. Farmers all around India express their gratitude to the Sun God and ask for a bountiful harvest. In Gujarat and Rajasthan, Makar Sankranti is known as Uttarayan, whilst in Haryana and Punjab, the celebration is known as Maghi. Makar Sankranti is known as Makaravilakku in Kerala.
History of Makar Sankranti
Sankranti was a divinity who, according to tradition, destroyed the demon Sankarasur. It is a date in India when the sun begins to migrate north since the sun was shining in the southern hemisphere before Makar Sankranti. The Hindus consider this period to be the uttarayan or auspicious period. According to the Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah waited for the sun to rise in Uttarayan before embracing death.
