Makar Sankranti is the most popular Sankranti among all the 12 Sankranti(s) which is dedicated to the Hindu deity Surya (Sun). People not only signify this as the day of performing the righteous deeds but also celebrate it as the festival of kites.
The roofs of the homes witness special excitement among the kite-lovers who can be found flying kites with great happiness. Even the sky is seen studded of colorful kites who as if take their flight to explore new heights.
Well, how can one forget those “Til Ke Laddu” who are specially made as prime sweet-dish of the festival!
Overview
Meaning of Makar Sankranti
The word Makar Sankranti incorporates two words- ‘Makar’ and ‘Sankranti’.
Makar is an astrological Zodiac sign which is also known as Capricorn and represented by the Goat Fish.
Sankranti signifies the Sun transition from one to another astrological zodiac sign.
As the name suggests, Makar Sankranti occurs when the transition of the sun happens from Makar Rashi to Kumbha Rashi that is from Capricorn zodiac to Aquarius zodiac.
Names of Makar Sankranti
The popularity of Makar Sankranti is so high in comparison to other Sankranti(s) that many people address Makar Sankranti as simply Sankranti too. It means if you will say Sankranti, they will consider Makar Sankranti.
Another popular name form which the Makar Sankranti is addressed, that is- "The Festival of Kites". You can literally see the flood of kites all around the sky in the areas where it is celebrated. They make the sky colorful and vibrant which is worth witnessing sight.
Makar Sankranti is known as Uttarayana Sankranti as well.
The day of Makar Sankranti is observed with many different names throughout India. In Punjab, the day is celebrated as a famous festival 'Lohri'. In Gujarat, it is known as Uttarayan. Where Assam commemorates 'Bihu', Tamil Nadu comes together for 'Pongal'.
let's check out the complete list of Makar Sankranti names in various countries, Indian states, and regions!
Day and Date of Makar Sankranti
The date and time of celebration of Indian festivals are decided as per the Panchang, the Hindu calendar. So the dates of the English calendar vary and shift back or forth by a few days. Makar Sankranti is one of those few festivals that fall on the same date mostly.
Most of the Hindu fasts and festivals are observed as per the lunar cycle system based Hindu lunisolar calendar ‘Panchang’, but Makar Sankranti is one of those rare Hindu events which is celebrated as per the Hindu Solar calendar. (Based on Solar cycle system)
As it is associated with the solar cycle system, it falls on January 14 every year and the date remains the same as per the Gregorian calendar as well. Despite its consistency, sometimes it deviates from one day in some years and falls on either January 13 or January 15.
As per the Hindu Lunar calendar, it comes in ‘Magha’, the eleventh month of the ‘Panchang’ Hindi calendar. This is why Makar Sankranti is also known as Magha Sankranti and even Magha festival.
Auspicious Muhurat Time of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is one of the Ayan Sankranti(S); other is Karka Sankranti. Makar Sankranti related auspicious muhurat for Daan-Punya falls 40 Ghati(s) after the Makar Sankraman moment.
It implies the Muhurat for Daan-Punya-related righteous activities is the time window of Sankranti to 40 Ghati after Sankranti.
(Time of Sankraman)
(Duration of Muhurat: 01 Hour 47 Mins)
(Duration of Muhurat: 10 Hours 39 Mins)
Lord Surya, The God of Makar Sankranti Festival
People dedicate the day of Makar Sankranti to extending their prayers towards Surya Deva. Sun God is a Hindu religious deity who can be traced in Vedic scriptures too, including the famous sacred hymn of Rigveda which is known as the “Gayatri Mantra”.
Some believers pray for their success and request prosperity; others take this as a time to be thankful towards the Surya deva for giving them a prosperous and successful life.
Makar Sankranti Rituals
Sacred River Bath or Nadi Snaan and Prayers Towards Lord Surya
Many people consider river-bath as one important ritual to perform on Sankranti. It is done with this belief that their sins will be washed with the bath in the holy water of a river. Simultaneously they also worship the Hindu deity Surya, known as Lord Surya or Sun God for thanksgiving.
Other Events
The important rituals of Makar Sankranti include- rising up early and taking a sacred bath in the holy river with worshipping the Sun God, offering Bhog (food) to the deity, distribution of sweets, food, clothes, and other stuff to the known and needy people during the auspicious time muhurta which is calculated as per the Hindu calendar and Vedic astrology system.
Significance of Makar Sankranti
Commencement of New Month of Hindu Solar Calendar
Makar Sankranti marks the arrival of the tenth month of the Hindu Solar calendar which mostly falls in February.
Marking of Harvesting Season
The festival of Makar Sankranti is celebrated for welcoming the harvest season and bidding farewell to the northeast monsoon in the South Indian region.
Most of the Indian regions witness the early phases of the Rabi crop or the period when the crops are sown, ending the stages where hard work is needed. Thus, this time brings joy, peace, and relaxation from everywhere.
Welcoming Consistent Longer Days
On one hand, where Makar Sankranti marks the end of the winter solstice months, it also signifies the beginning of longer days.
Beginning of Uttarayana
Uttarayana is considered a six-month-long auspicious period which begins with the Makar Sankranti.
Mythologies
Spiritual Significance
People believe that the sacred bath in Holy River in auspicious Muhurat time duration of around Makar Sankranti can play the path to their Moksha (salvation) by washing all the past sins. Having faith in this, people take a dip in some specific lakes and rivers such as Ganga, Yamuna, Krishna, Kaveri, and Godavari.
Makar Sankranti Observations
Kite Flying on Makar Sankranti
Say it ritual, tradition, culture, or a way of celebration, kite-flying is one of the prime ways to celebrate Makar Sankranti. Kite flying is done as a game as well.
Popularly, the kite is known as “Patang”, thread as “Manja”, kite-flying as “Patang Udaana”, helping in flying the kite as “Chhutti Dena”, cutting other’s kite as “Patang Katana” or “Pech Ladana”.
People make or purchase the colorful paper-kites which are knotted or tied with a thread. One person holds the kite and the other one helps him with managing the thread. The more the kite achieves its height, the more joyous it becomes for the kite-flying person.
However, the target doesn’t end here. People playing this as a game and fun try to cut the kites of others from the thread of their kites. This is known as “Patang Katana” (Kite-cutting) or “Pench Fansana” (Tangling the thread with trick).
Colors and Social Festivity
Makar Sankranti day witnesses color all around and in every aspect. People make colorful decorations on walls. The females of the houses make rangoli (colorful designs and curves) on the floors. Where the elders decorate the earth and earthly things, kids take responsibility for the sky. They fly colorful kites in the sky. Thus, the special occurrences of colors can be seen in a distinguished way.
Children Ask for Treats
This is an amazing Indian tradition and a part of a culture where the treats are asked going door to door. Earlier the Rishi-muni (Sadhu/ monks) used to roam from one home to another and ask for Dakshina (food, etc), giving a blessing to the donation-giver.
Children kind of follow the same old tradition this day of Makar Sankranti, and ask for treats in their nearby colony or area. Many kids of the local area gather to do this and sing together to call and impress the families. The females also come out of their homes and give them delicious Sankranti dishes with great delight.
Some people give money too, in the form of pocket money.
Fairs (Magha Mela)
In many areas of India, the fairs are also arranged in which people enjoy the marry-go-rounds, visit the tableau, and shop the games for their kids.
Such a Makar Sankranti fair is known as Magha Mela which is mentioned in the Mahabharata (Hindu epic) as well, as per the people associated with Indology.
Makar Sankranti Celebration: How to Celebrate Makar Sankranti Festival?
Cultural Activities: Singing and Dancing
Ladies come together at one common place and sing Makar Sankranti geet to enjoy and celebrate. These Sankranti songs are sung usually in their regional languages which sound like some folk songs.
Alike Sankranti Gaane (songs), people celebrate by dancing as well. They perform their regional folk dance together and enjoy spreading smiles around.
Sharing of Traditional Sweet Dish of Makar Sankranti
A special Makar Sankranti dish “Til Laddu” (Til Ke Laddu/ Tilli Ke Laddu) is made, eaten, and distributed among friends, family, and as a donation to the poor people. This sweet dish is made by til (sesame), Shakkar (or Gud/Gur) (Sugar or Jaggery).
Sharing sweet this way symbolizes the happiness, peace, and harmony between humankind. Celebration in India makes it more special as people with different cultures, religions, and beliefs come together to rejoice.
