The Sun's Joyful Journey
Celebrating the Harvest and Light
Makar Sankranti, a cherished Indian festival, celebrates the sun's northward shift. It’s a day of gratitude for the harvest, marked by kite flying, sweet sharing, and embracing brighter, longer days with joy and festivity.
The Many Meanings of Sankranti
Beyond a mere festival, Makar Sankranti is a cosmic event, a cultural landmark, and a profound spiritual celebration in unison.
The Sun's Transit (Uttarayan)
The festival celebrates the Sun God's shift into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara), marking Uttarayan. This cosmic event signifies winter's end, the onset of longer days, and the victory of light over darkness.
A Farmer's Thanksgiving
Across India, Sankranti marks a joyous harvest celebration. Farmers express gratitude for nature's gifts and hope for prosperity ahead. Known by various names—Pongal in the south, Lohri in the north, Bihu in the east—the festival unites all in thankfulness for the earth's abundance.
An Auspicious Time
Uttarayan is seen as a sacred time in Hindu culture, symbolizing renewal, spiritual growth, and shedding negativity. Bhishma, the revered Mahabharata warrior, chose this auspicious period to depart his earthly life, seeking moksha or liberation.
A Celebration of Traditions
The happiness of Makar Sankranti shines through vibrant rituals that unite and uplift communities.
Step 1: Holy Dips & Prayers
Worshippers bathe in sacred rivers such as the Ganga and Yamuna, believing it purifies past sins. They pray to the Sun God, Surya, showing thanks and seeking blessings for the future.
A Taste of the Festival
Sankranti festivities feel incomplete without traditional foods crafted from the season's fresh harvest, offering warmth and vitality.
Tilgul
Sesame (til) and jaggery (gur) sweets are shared with the phrase, 'Tilgul ghya, goad goad bola' (Enjoy tilgul, speak sweetly).
Khichdi
A hearty mix of rice and lentils, signifying unity and new harvest. It’s a traditional meal and offering today.
Gajak & Chikki
Crunchy treats of peanuts, jaggery, and sesame, cherished in Northern India for their warmth and texture.
Pongal
A Southern delicacy of fresh rice, milk, and jaggery, cooked to overflow, symbolizing prosperity.