Introduction: Makar Sankranti, also known as the Kite festival, is a popular Hindu festival. It is known as Maghi in Punjab. In Uttar Pradesh, the festival is known as ‘Khichiri’. In Gujarat and Rajasthan, the festival is known as Uttarayan.
Due to the variation in tradition through different cultures of India, the celebration procedure and myths behind the festival varies from region to region. The festival is dedicated to Sun God.
Why is Makar Sankranti celebrated? Makar Sankranti is observed to celebrate the transition of sun into the zodiac house of Capricorn. The Hindi version of Capricorn is “Makara”. Hence this day is known as “Makar Sankranti”. Sun God is worshiped at many places.
Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival. It is celebrated to mark the arrival of spring season.
Kite Flying: Flying kites are seen on the sky. This is done to please the Sun God.
Celebration: Makar Sankranti is generally celebrated a day after the Lohri fesitval. It is generally celebrated on 14th day of January every year.
- It is extensively celebrated in different parts of India.
- People wear new clothes and distribute sweets.
- People take holy bath on this day.
- Fairs (melas) are held in many cities.
- World famous Kumbh mela is held every 12 years in the holy places.
- People make sweets of sesame seeds (til). Semame sweets are traditionally consumed in India. It is very tasty and helps us to maintain good health.
Importance:
- The festival of Makar Sankranti is very important because it refers to the transition of sun into the zodiac house of Capricorn.
- Makar Sankranti promotes a feeling of sense of unity among peoples.
- People forget their past grievances and forgive one another.
- Since it is a harvest festival, it is of utmost importance for the farmers.