Sankranti

India is a country of multiple cultures, religions and festivals. Indians celebrate every festival with great pomp and show. Sankranti is a joyful festival celebrated in various parts of India. Sankranti represents transformation and evolution. It signifies progress and a new beginning.

It is observed either on 14th or 15th of January every year depending on the region and belief of the people. Few consider it to be the start of the sun’s transition into the northern hemisphere, thus also known as Uttarayan. They dedicatedly offer prayers with full devotion to the Sun God who is believed to have met with his son on that special day showcasing the bonding of the family.

At the same time, there are regions where people consider it to be a harvest festival which marks the end of winter season and beginning of longer sunny days. It is a special occasion for the farmers to thank the nature and land that nurtures them by providing food. The festival is celebrated for 3-4 days at the end of the harvest season, giving farmers a break from their daily routine. Farmers perform pooja and follow traditional rituals.

Sankranti has been named differently and merrily celebrated in different states of India. To name a few, in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, this joyous celebration is known as Lohri, in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana it’s called Sankranti, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayan in Gujarat, Til Sakraat in Bihar, Magh Bihu in Assam whereas in West Bengal, Karnataka and Maharashtra, it is named as Makar Sankranti.

Despite difference in the names, the underlying joy and enthusiasm to celebrate the festival remains the same in the heart of the people. Varieties of traditional food are prepared according to the regions. Delicious sweets and mouth-watering savouries add to the celebration. For example, in Tamil Nadu, newly harvested rice is cooked with milk and jaggery for Pongal whereas in Karnataka, people exchange sweets made of jaggery and sesame with relatives and friends symbolising warmth, unity, and goodwill. In Bihar, the food during Makar Sankranti is deeply rooted in the agricultural lifestyle and religious practices. Traditional dish, kasar (made with rice flour and jaggery) is associated with the festival.

On the day of Sankranti, people prefer to rise early in the morning, around sunrise and offer prayers. Some bathe in the sacred rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, Kaveri etc. They consider that taking this dip cleanses away one’s sins and helps to gain good luck and fortune. It is believed that a dip in Triveni Sangam, confluence of three rivers helps to cleanse a person’s sin.

As it is considered an auspicious day, many people provide charity and donations to the less fortunate and destitute. They offer alms to the poor and needy. They also engage themselves in cleaning the house and decorating it with flowers, rangoli etc.

Communities and people of all ages come together for activities such as kite flying and cultural programmes. People make colourful kites and enjoy flying them in healthy competitions. The vast sky looks vibrant with colourful kites soaring high. Traditional folk songs and folk dances add to the festive atmosphere.

In many places, fairs are organised on account of Sankranti. Makar Sankranti marks the commencement of the world-famous fair Kumbh-Mela in Uttar Pradesh, where millions of people from all over the world assemble to be a part of the fair. This fair organised every 12 years in a grand way and marks one of the biggest religious gatherings in India. The Ardh Kumbh Mela occurs every six years, and the Maha Kumbh Mela takes place once in 144 years. The event is famous for its massive bathing rituals, religious discourses, and spiritual activities.

In South India, the festival marks the end of a sacred pilgrimage Śabarimala. The pilgrimage is considered to be pious and followed by many pilgrims, who visit Sabrimala and seeks blessings. Makaravilakku refers to the sacred flame that appears on Ponnambalamedu, around 4 km from the Sabarimala Temple. The light is seen three times on the evening of Makara Vilakku and is considered a divine sight by the devotees. Special pujas and offerings are performed at Sabarimala on this day. The Makara Sankranti puja is followed by the ceremonial sighting of the Makara Vilakku in the evening. Pilgrims observe strict fast, chant mantras, and take part in prayers.

Conclusion 

The Sankranti festival teaches us to appreciate the many blessings of life. It reminds us to be grateful for nature’s gifts. The festival also honours the hard work of farmers, helping us value the effort behind the food we eat. Through folk songs, dances, and community celebrations, Sankranti encourages togetherness, sharing, and joy. It helps us cherish our cultural traditions and simple pleasures, teaching the importance of gratitude, contentment, and harmony with nature and society.

So, let’s enjoy Sankranti with a handful of offerings for the needy, mouthful of sweets, mindful of good thoughts and a heart full of best wishes for others.