Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival that is celebrated every year on the 14th of January in the Gregorian calendar. Also known as Uttarayan, it marks the transition of the sun from the zodiac sign of Sagittarius (Dhanu) to the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara).
Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival that is celebrated every year on the 14th of January in the Gregorian calendar. It marks the transition of the sun from the zodiac sign of Sagittarius (Dhanu) to the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara), and it is considered an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar.
Makar Sankranti is celebrated in many parts of India and Nepal, and it is known by different names in different regions.
Uttarayan in Gujarat
In Gujarat, it is known as Uttarayan, and it is celebrated with kite-flying contests. The word “Uttarayan” means “the northward journey of the sun,” and it marks the transition of the sun from the zodiac sign of Sagittarius (Dhanu) to the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara). This transition is considered to be an auspicious time in the Hindu calendar, and it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. One of the most famous and beloved traditions of Uttarayan is the flying of kites. On this day, people of all ages take to the rooftops and open spaces to fly kites of all shapes, sizes, and colors. The skies are filled with kites, and the festival is marked by a spirit of joy and camaraderie as people compete to see who can keep their kite flying the longest. In addition to kite-flying, Uttarayan is also marked by the exchange of sweets and the performance of traditional music and dance. It is a time of celebration and joy, and it is an important festival in the cultural calendar of Gujarat.
Pongal in Tamil Nadu
In Tamil Nadu, it is known as Pongal, and it is celebrated with feasts, offerings to the gods, and the exchange of gifts. Pongal is a four-day festival that is marked by feasts, offerings to the gods, and the exchange of gifts. The first day of Pongal is known as “Bhogi,” and it is marked by the disposal of old household items and the welcoming of new ones. The second day, known as “Surya Pongal,” is a day of thanksgiving to the sun god, and it is marked by the cooking of a special dish called “pongal,” which is made from rice, lentils, and milk. The third day, known as “Mattu Pongal,” is a day dedicated to cows, which are considered sacred in Hinduism. The fourth and final day, known as “Kaanum Pongal,” is a day for families to come together and celebrate.
In addition to its cultural and religious significance, Pongal is also an important agricultural festival, as it marks the end of the winter season and the beginning of the harvest season. It is a time of celebration and thanksgiving for the abundance of the season and the blessings of the gods.
Bihu in Assam
In Assam, it is known as Bihu, and it is celebrated with dancing, singing, and the exchange of sweets.
Bihu is a major festival in the state of Assam in India, and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. There are three Bihu festivals that are celebrated in Assam: Rongali Bihu, Kongali Bihu, and Bhogali Bihu.
Rongali Bihu, also known as Bohag Bihu, is the most important and widely celebrated of the three Bihu festivals. It is celebrated in the month of April and marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year. Rongali Bihu is a time of great joy and celebration, and it is marked by dancing, singing, and the exchange of sweets and gifts.
Kongali Bihu, also known as Kati Bihu, is the second Bihu festival and is celebrated in the month of October. It is a time of thanksgiving for the harvest and is marked by the lighting of lamps and the offering of prayers to the gods.
Bhogali Bihu, also known as Magh Bihu, is the third Bihu festival and is celebrated in the month of January. It is a time of feasting and celebrations, and it is marked by the burning of large bonfires and the eating of traditional dishes such as laru (a type of rice cake) and xaak (a type of leafy vegetable).
Overall, the Bihu festivals are an important part of the cultural calendar of Assam and are celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy.
In addition to its cultural and religious significance, Makar Sankranti is also an important agricultural festival, as it marks the end of the winter season and the beginning of the harvest season. In many parts of India, Makar Sankranti is celebrated with the offering of thanks to the gods for a good harvest and the celebration of the abundance of the season.
Overall, Makar Sankranti is a festive and joyful occasion that is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy across India and Nepal.
