Makara Sankranti is among the bright and celebrated festivals commonly celebrated in India. It informs the passing of the sun to the sign of the Zodiac called Capricorn, or Makara. Thus, as it passes to Capricorn, the sun moves out of one solstice, which happens in winter, help in longer days and warming weather. But much more than that, this festival is a thanksgiving, renewal, and togetherness of the cultures.
The legend of Makara Sankranti is all about mythological, religious rituals, and agricultural importance. Now we will jump into the history and reasons of this lovely celebration.
Mythological Stories Behind Makar Sankranti
1. The Kalantak Story of Shani and Shurya
A very well-known story and also a religious myth of Makara Sankranti is based on the relationships between Shurya (Sun) and Shani (the planet Saturn) famous because of the tense relationships between them. When, however, the sun enters Capricorn that is governed by Shani (Saturn), that would mean reciprocal dealings.
2. Shankarasur ka Vadh
The festival of Makar Sankranti celebrates victory over evil to mark the day as the last of the demon Sankrashur, who was destroyed by Lord Vishnu. This marks the beginning of purification and a fresh start.
3. Bhishma Pitamaha’s Moksha
In Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamaha had a blessing of selecting the time that he preferred for his death. And he, therefore, chose Makara Sankranti so he could die and get salvation. This thus adds a spiritual facet to the festival since it means liberation and enlightenments.
Cultural and seasonal importance
Makar Sankranti has great importance for an agricultural country like India. It marks the end of harvesting, and this is the time when the farmers give grateful prayers for the crops they received from the land below. Capricorn enters, and the days start spreading longer; it is believed that new energy and progress come into the land of agriculture.
The Sun also passes from December to the Magh month of the Hindus, which is considered spiritually beneficial to engage in acts like pilgrimages, baths in holy tributaries, and charity.
How Makar Sankranti Is Celebrated In India
1. Kite-flying
In states like Gujarat and Rajasthan, Makar Sankranti turns the sky into a field with inviting visual experiences of colorful kites. Kite flying is not just a pastime here but also signifies raising humanity’s spirit.
2. Holy Bath and Pujas
Pilgrims throng sacred rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, and Godavari for holy baths to absolve all sins; the occasion marks the blessing for their remaining life. The festivity assumes special significance at the junctures like Prayagraj where Kumbh Mela is organized during this period.
3. Special Traditional Foods
Makar Sankranti is famous for traditional dishes made out of sesame seeds (til) and jaggery (gur). Eatables like til laddoo, gur chikki, and pongal signify some warmth togetherness in that cold season.
4. Diversity in the Regions
Pongal (Tamil Nadu): Pongal festival spans four days and involves cooking a sweet rice dish and offering prayers to the Sun God.
Lohri (Punjab): It is celebrated one day before Makar Sankranti; a celebration with bonfires and activities of singing and dancing.
Magh Bihu (Assam): A religious pan-ethnic celebration where community spirit is emphasized through feasts and traditional games.
The Makar Sankranti message for all:
Henceforth, there is a cause to come together concerning a single Makar Sankranti: its core message in most things could be united with the meaning of unity, gratitude, and remembrance. Relations between people and nature could be celebrated when people are doing something for the creation of a hopeful and harmonious new life.
Conclusions
Makar Sankranti is more than just a harvest event. It is celebrated in a mythological sense all over India. Through kite-flying, pilgrimages to holy rivers, and mouth-watering traditional sweets, lives are much more disposed to realize how rich a-humanly established relationship in their existing lives is.