Makar Sankranti:

Makar Sankranti is an Indian festival revered for the shift of the sun from the southern to the northern hemisphere at the end of the winter solstice. It is one of the most splendidly festooned festivals of India. In order to seek blessings for the ensuing agriculture season and to worship the Sun- god who is said to have shifted to the Makara rashi of Capricorn from Dhanu rashi, the people celebrate the festival. India will come together to celebrate this important event though the name or the significance or even the manner of celebration may differ from state to state.

Makar Sankranti is the festival which is celebrated on the day on which the sun sets in Capricorn as the winter solstice and the days get longer. The word ‘makar’ is used to describe Capricorn and the term ‘sankranti’ denotes the sun’s shift of position in the zodiac. Apart from having astrological significance, the event has cultural, religious, as well as agricultural importance since it is a fest to Surya- the sun god, and held during the harvest season.

The Story Behind Makar Sankranti

Sankranti means that the Sun or Surya Dev has shifted from one Rashi or Sign to another. On this day, there is also the onset of Uttarayana, which translates to a half-year auspicious period for both Men and women among the Hindus. This is the best time for spirituality.

People take River Ganga and River Jamuna bath with holy water at Sangam at the time of Makar Sankranti Festival. This means that once one has bathed he or she is cleansed of previous sins. Further, many bow to God, Surya and chant or pray to get success and prosperity in life.

There are twelve Sankranti in a year, according to the Hindu calendar. People across the nation widely observe Makar Sankranti, regarded as the most important Sankranti of all.

The history of Makar Sankranti

According to legend, Bhishma, a noble and well-respected character in the Mahabharata, received the boon of iccha mrityu, or the power to decide when to pass away. On the other hand, he lay on an aerobed throughout the Kurukshetra war, waiting for the right opportunity. Bhishma endured anguish and injuries, yet he lived until the month of Magha, when the sun began its northward trip and Uttarayan began.According to legend, Bhishma waited for his time to pass away until the sun entered Makar, or Capricorn, in the zodiac. It is believed that his choice to wait for this celestial alignment was symbolic, emphasizing the significance of the Uttarayan period and its related auspiciousness.

As a result, Makar Sankranti honors both the movement of the sun and Bhishma Pitamah’s devotion to and sacrifice for dharma (righteousness). To celebrate the legend of Bhishma and to ask for blessings for a virtuous life, people participate in various festival festivities, give offerings to the sun deity, and take holy dips in rivers during this period. Makar Sankranti’s traditional meaning and significance according to Ayurveda

Hindu mythology states that on the day of Makar Sankranti, Lord Vishnu vanquished the horror that the demons had inflicted by severing their heads and burying them behind a mountain. This represents the end of negativity and the beginning of righteousness, well-intentioned living, and prosperity.As a result, this day is excellent for sadhana, or spiritual practice, since the atmosphere is filled with “Chaitanya,” or “cosmic wisdom.”

Makar Sankranti: The Origin and its significance

Makar Sankranti has significance not only for agricultural activities but also to the Poojas which are performed in the honor of the Sun God signifying that victory of light over the dark forces. It is also a way to show gratitude and to request the deities for blessings for a good harvest and prime entrance of the sun in the Northern part of the globe.

The morning customs

The ancient scriptures recommend bathing and rising early on the day of Makar Sankranti to ensure a fortunate and positive start to the day. To make your bath water more satiating, consider adding a small bit of til or sesame seeds. Following a bath, one must perform Argya, or offering water to the sun, and recite the Gayatri Mantra as a kind of prayer.

Food

During Makar Sankranti, freshly harvested food grains are presented to the gods before being consumed. Khichdi is a light and readily digestible food, and Ayurveda advises eating it. Eating khichdi is associated with the body’s natural transition from the chilly winter wind to the approaching warmth of spring. This shift in temperature from dry and cool to unexpectedly warm makes the body more prone to imbalances. Thus, khichdi is the ideal food to satisfy hunger and give the body the vital nutrients it needs.

In addition to being good for your health, preparing and consuming Khichdi on this occasion represents unity because all the ingredients—freshly harvested rice, lentils, seasonal vegetables, and spices—are cooked in one pot. It marks the beginning of the new harvest year and the cycle of life and regeneration.

Additionally, Ayurveda suggests taking sesame seeds and jaggery on this auspicious day. Since the celebration is sometimes referred to as “Til Sankranti,” Sankranti and Til (Sesame) are interchangeable. In order to enhance the “Sattva”—purity, kindness, and harmony—and absorb negativity, sesame seeds are beneficial for spiritual practice.

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The Spirit of Makar Sankranti: A Joyful Celebration

Makar Sankranti is celebrated with great enthusiasm in many parts of India, regardless of religion. Here’s a peek at a few of the beloved customs connected to this celebration:

Sun worship, or Surya Puja: It  is a way for devotees to honor the Sun God Surya in appreciation for his life-giving warmth and the assurance of a plentiful harvest season. Many families will congregate especially along the river banks in the mornings offering prayers and even sacrifices to the sun. The following customized displays strong respect, and appreciation for the role played by the sun in sustaining life on this planet.

Kite Flying: One of the main attractions of Makar Sankranti celebrations, especially in North India, is the colorful display of kites taking to the sky. All ages congregate on roofs and in public areas, where they playfully compete with their finely constructed kites. Twirling bright strips and concise, intricate movements that are created in the wind, produce great, comfortable types of vision which are linked to dreams about the star and hope.

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Sweets and Snacks: And indeed, there is not a shortage of tasty exquisite things that are associated with each place on the festive table. These sweets vary from mouth-watering Pongal – a sweet rice dish in South India to the juicy Til (sesame) ladoos of North India and denote business prosperity and auspicious beginning. Thus, people share these special sweets with their families and communities, strengthening happy and cozy connections. The other aspect that is evident is philanthropic which acts as a lesson on the need to give back on what one has been blessed with.

Bonfires: The tradition of lighting bonfires called Lohri or Bhogi in many areas of India particularly in the North and Western part of India symbolizes the burning of all undesirable things. People congregate around singing, crackling bonfires, and joyous foods. The flames stand for accepting the possibility of a new beginning in the coming year and letting go of the past.

Donations and Charity: During Makar Sankranti, there is a general feeling of generosity. These functions suggest reasons why people are pleased with themselves, and feel more compassionate and accountable to society when they are giving food, clothing and other necessities to the needy. This charitable element becomes a good reminder on the part of the company of sharing the blessings and giving to the community.

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