Makar Sankranti is an important festival celebrated throughout the country in many parts. It is celebrated on January 14 marking the transition of the Sun from the zodiac of Dhanu (Sagittarius) to Makara (Capricorn) showing the beginning of Uttarayan, marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the new agricultural cycle. This festival mainly focuses on the harvesting season. Different states have their own way of celebrating this agricultural festival. It is also known to build friendships. Families look forward to celebrating Sankranti with kids. Makar Sankranti serves as a reminder that winter is over. In rural areas of the country, it is celebrated in an extravagant manner.
The festival is celebrated under various names: Magh Bihu in Assam, Maghi Saaji in Himachal Pradesh, Maghi Sangrand in Jammu, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Ghughuti in Uttarakhand, Dahi Chura in Bihar, and so on.
The festival is celebrated for four days in places like Tamilnadu and Andhra Pradesh for four days.
Day 1: Bhogi
Day 2: Pongal or Sankranti
Day 3: Mattu Pongal or Kanuma
Day 4: Mukkanuma or Kaanum Pongal
Bhogi
Bhogi is typically celebrated on the day before the festival of Pongal. On Bhogi, people discard old items and clean their homes in preparation for the prosperous new year. A bonfire is lit, and old items such as clothes and household items are thrown into the fire in order to symbolize letting go of old and bad memories and embracing the new upcoming days. Bhogi also marks the start of the four-day Pongal festival, which is celebrated to show gratitude for the bountiful harvest.
Pongal or Sankranti
The festival celebration actually starts with an oil bath and new clothes. The festival’s main event is cooking Pongal, a sweet dish made from rice, lentils, and milk, which is offered to the god as a symbol of gratitude for a bountiful harvest. It is a time for thanksgiving for the farmers, as they harvest their crops and prepares for the new planting season.
Mattu Pongal or Kanuma
On this third day of the festival, cows are decorated and given special offerings as a way of thanking them for their service to farmers. The festival is also a time for family and friends to gather and enjoy traditional foods, games, and other activities.
Kaanum Pongal
This day mainly focuses on sightseeing. Family and friends plan a picnic or spend time together outside in a good place or visit others’ homes. On this day, people spend time together. Flying kites play a fun part in celebrating Sankranti with kids.
Ideas for Makar Sankranti
Here are some of the best ideas to celebrate Sankranti to the fullest
- Flying kites
- Visiting friends and family
- Bonfire with loved ones
- Traditional sweet preparation along with family
- Get involved in games like bull racing, and rangoli competition
- Watch special television programs
- Attend community events and fairs
- Decorating homes with colourful rangolis
Significance of Sankranti
The main focus of Sankranti is to exchange love and companionship along with holding significant religious and cultural importance. Knowing the information about Makar Sankranti is important for kids. Celebrating Sankranti with kids brings up a great bonding between the family. Sankranti also symbolises new beginnings. It teaches us forgiveness, and to letting go of past grudges, making it an auspicious day for families, friends, and communities.
