Makar sankranti

 Also known as Uttarayan or Pongal in other parts of the country, Makar Sankranti is the celebration of the winter solstice. It is the celebration of the advent of spring, the day when the sun leaves the southern hemisphere and begins its journey in the northern hemisphere. Following the glorious tradition of kite-flying, there can be plenty of kites seen dotting the sky on this day. Meals of gulachi poli (jaggery flatbreads) are prepared to keep everyone warm.

Small sweet laddoos (balls) made from sesame are especially prepared for this day. People visit the homes of friends and relatives, and say “Til gul ghya ani god god bola“, meaning “Accept this til-gul and speak sweetly”. It is a day when everyone agrees to forget old hostilities and differences, and move forward with mutual love and respect. Another popular cultural celebration is having a pooja for newly married women and newborn infants. They are dressed in black and adorned with ornaments made from small sugary sweets, and everyone enjoys with song, dance and merry-making.






Sankranti is worshipped as a God. Sankranti, according to legends, killed the devil Sankarasur. Karidin or Kinkrant is the day following Makar Sankrant. Devi killed the devil Kinkarasur on this day.

According to Drik Panchang, “the time between Makar Sankranti and 40 ghatis (roughly 16 hours for Indian locations if we consider 1 ghati duration as 24 minutes) from the time of Makar Sankranti is considered good for auspicious work. This duration is known as Punya Kaal.”

Sankranti activities, like taking bath, offering Naivedhya (food offered to the deity) to Lord Surya, offering charity or Dakshina, performing Shraddha rituals and breaking fast should be done during Punya Kaal. If Makar Sankranti happens after sunset, all Punya Kaal activities are postponed till the next sunrise.

Significance 

Worshippers usually bathe in sacred rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery on this day. For believers, taking a dip absolves them of their sins; it is also seen as a time of peace and prosperity, and countless spiritual deeds are performed on this day. Sesame and jaggery ladoos or chikkis are distributed on this day to symbolise the desire for people to live in peace and harmony.







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