Kotpad 14th January 2025 Makar Sankranti is a prominent Hindu festival celebrated in India and some neighboring countries. It marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign Capricorn (Makara) on its celestial path. This transition signals the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days, symbolizing the arrival of spring and the harvest season.
Key Highlights of Makar Sankranti:
1. Date: It is usually celebrated on January 14th every year (occasionally on January 15th, depending on astronomical calculations).
2. Significance:
It represents a time of peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
The festival honors Surya (the Sun God) for providing energy and life to Earth.
Farmers celebrate the harvest of crops like rice, sugarcane, and sesame.
3. Regional Names:
Pongal (Tamil Nadu)
Lohri (Punjab)
Uttarayan (Gujarat)
Bhogali Bihu (Assam)
Khichdi (Uttar Pradesh and Bihar)
Suggi or Makara Sankramana (Karnataka)
4. Customs and Traditions:
Kite Flying: In Gujarat and Rajasthan, people celebrate by flying kites as a symbolic way to connect with the Sun.
Bonfires and Feasts: In Punjab and northern states, bonfires are lit, and traditional dishes like til ladoo (sesame sweets) and gur (jaggery) are prepared.
Puja and Rituals: People take holy dips in rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Godavari to cleanse their sins.
Community Celebrations: Sharing sweets and meals strengthens bonds among family and neighbors.
5. Traditional Foods:
Tilgul (sesame and jaggery sweets) in Maharashtra.
Pongal rice in Tamil Nadu.
Ladoos made of peanuts, sesame, and jaggery in various regions.
Makar Sankranti celebrates the unity of diverse Indian cultures and promotes harmony, joy, and gratitude for nature’s blessings.