Poets celebrate Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is a sacred and major festival of Hindu religion, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over India. This festival has special religious, cultural and scientific significance. On the day of Makar Sankranti, Sun God leaves Sagittarius and enters Capricorn. From this day, the Sun’s Uttarayan movement begins, that is, the Sun moves from the south to the north. This is why this day is celebrated as Makar Sankranti.
This astronomical change also affects our daily life, agriculture and environment. From the day of Makar Sankranti the nights start getting shorter and the days start getting longer. This time signals the end of winter and the arrival of spring. It is believed that auspicious works can also be started from this day.
Religious beliefs and mythology
There are many religious and mythological stories associated with Makar Sankranti. It is said that on this day Sun God himself goes to the house of his son Shani to meet him. This day is special in relation to Sun and Saturn as it symbolizes the union of father and son and ending their mutual differences.
Mahabharata’s great warrior Bhishma Pitamah had chosen the day of Makar Sankranti to sacrifice his life. They were waiting for the Sun’s Uttarayan as this time is considered very auspicious for attaining salvation.
According to another belief, on this day Mother Ganga descended from heaven to earth. King Bhagiratha brought Mother Ganga from Kapil Muni’s ashram to Ganga Sagar to offer tarpan to his ancestors. For this reason, bathing in the Ganga Sagar on the day of Makar Sankranti has special significance. It is considered a medium to attain purity and salvation.
Importance of charity
Charity and charity have special significance on the day of Makar Sankranti. It is said in the scriptures that by donating sesame, jaggery, blanket, ghee, milk, curd and grains on this day one gets freedom from sins. Consumption of sesame and jaggery is also considered auspicious. The warm nature of sesame protects the body from diseases in cold weather.
Donating and consuming sesame and jaggery on this day is also important because it is a symbol of intimacy and harmony. In Maharashtra, after feeding laddus made of sesame seeds and jaggery, it is said, “Til gud ghya, god god bola,” which means eat sweet and speak sweet. This message teaches us the lesson of unity and love.
Celebration of Makar Sankranti in different states of India
The festival of Makar Sankranti is celebrated in different names and ways in every corner of India.
1.Uttar Pradesh and Bihar: Here it is called Khichdi festival. People make Khichdi, eat it and donate it.
2.Gujarat and Rajasthan: It is celebrated as Uttarayan. There is a tradition of flying kites, which is a symbol of happiness, freedom and positivity.
3.Tamil Nadu and Kerala: It is celebrated as Pongal for four days. This is the main festival of farmers, where God is thanked for the good harvest.
4.Maharashtra: Here people wish each other well by feeding them laddus made of sesame and jaggery.
5.Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka: Here this festival is celebrated for three days and is called “Sankranti”.
6.Assam: It is celebrated as Bhogali Bihu, where celebrations take place after the harvest.
7.Punjab: The festival of Lohri is celebrated a day before Makar Sankranti. People light a fire and offer peanuts, rewari and jaggery.
Kite flying tradition
The tradition of flying kites on the day of Makar Sankranti also has special significance. According to mythological belief, Lord Rama flew a kite on the day of Makar Sankranti, which reached Indralok. Kite is considered a symbol of happiness, freedom and success. On this day, colorful kites fly in the sky, which add color and joy to our lives.
Science and Makar Sankranti
The scientific aspect of Makar Sankranti is also important. Sun’s Uttarayan affects our health and energy level. At this time, positive energy circulates in the body. For this reason, there is importance of offering Arghya to the Sun and taking bath on this day.
Message of makar sankranti
The festival of Makar Sankranti not only holds religious and cultural significance, but it also gives us the message of establishing harmony with nature. This festival inspires us to promote the spirit of unity, love and harmony.
Let us resolve to bring positivity in our lives and perform our duties towards the society on this Makar Sankranti. Let us all move forward with love and cooperation with each other and embrace the real spirit of this festival.
Best wishes to all of you on Makar Sankranti.
Jai Hind! Victory to India!
