Makar Sankranti refers to a Sanskrit term sanskramana, which means begin to move. Makar Sankranti is a festival dedicated to Lord Surya as it marks the sun’s transit into the Makara raashi. It is very auspicious as it is one of the few Hindu festivals that are aligned with the solar cycle.
Makar Sankranti is believed to be a day of happiness and prosperity by Hindus. In many regions, Makar Sankranti festivals last 2 to 4 days. The main activities are praying to the Sun God, going for a holy dip, flying kites, preparing sweets with ghee and sesame seeds as well as worshipping cattle.
5 interesting facts about this festival:
1) Makar Sankranti and Pongal are the two Hindu festivals that are celebrated based on the solar cycles. Scientists say that it is one of the oldest solstice festivals, and the day and night are equally long.
2) In the Mahabharata, Bhisma was lying on his bed of arrows, waiting for the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti to take his last breath.
3) Makar Sankranti is significant as it focuses on the sun coming from the North which is the home of the God. The rays from the sun in the North direction symbolises the power of the good forces overpowering the evil forces that live in the South. On the morning of Bakar Sankranti, people go for a holy dip in the Ganges River to cleanse and offer a prayer to God.
4) Kite Flying. Many kites will fill the skies in Gujarat and it’s beautiful. But why kite flying? Kite flying is usually done in the mornings where the sun rays are strong but not harmful. These sun rays are a very good source of Vitamin D which was lacking in may during the winter season. The exposure to the sun and spending time kite flying in the sun was known to help fight all the illnesses people got during the winter.
5) Makar Sankranti is commonly associated with sesame and jiggery sweets. These sweets will be made at home and distributed among all. While eating these sweets, people would usually say “Til Gul Ghya Ani Gud Gud Bola” which means speak sweet words and spread joy.
Makar Sankranti is also known as India’s Thanks Giving. A day to Forgive, Forget and Love.
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