Introduction
Makar Sankranti, also known as Uttaryan in different parts of India, This festival of farming dignifies the importance of agriculture in Indian culture. The day of Makar Sankranti indicates the transition of the sun into the sign of Capricorn, which is also known as Makar. On this auspicious day, people from different parts of India celebrate it with different names. Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Bihu in Assam, Lohri in Punjab, Magh Bihu in the North States, and Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Makar Vilakku in Kerala.
Agricultural Harvesting
The festival, often celebrated as the ‘Festival of Harvesting’, is an enthusiastic occasion that symbolizes the abundance of agriculture and the bountiful harvest season. Makar Sankranti is linked to farming, as it signifies the onset of the harvesting season. This day holds high importance for the farmers in India.
The unsung heroes of our country, the farmers who work diligently in the fields and cultivate gold in their fields in the form of crops, say that when the sun enters the zodiac signs of Capricorn, it signifies the end of the winter season. It also signifies the beginning of warmer and longer days ahead. It also provides a favorable time for the ripening of winter crops in the fields.
Crops associated with Makar Sankranti
The main crop that is associated with this festival is sugar cane. It symbolizes the prosperity and abundance of the harvest season. Because of this, sugar cane denotes a special place in this festival. The sweetness of sugar cane is often extracted to make jaggery. Jaggery is an essential ingredient in many traditional dishes prepared during this festival.
Rituals and Traditions
Bhogi Pongal is the first day of the Pongal festival in Tamil Nadu. People in Tamil Nadu often celebrate this festival with burning bonfires. It symbolizes burning away negativity and embracing positivity. It interlinks with the idea of the cycles of life, death, and rebirth as well.
On this day, in Assam, a festival called Magh Bihu, or Bhogali Bihu, is celebrated. Certain rituals for this celebration involve lighting and burning the bonfires as well. The people in Assam enjoy and celebrate this festival by engaging in different cultural activities. Preparing traditional Assam cuisine is also part of this festival. The traditional dance of Bihu is performed during this day, which adds color and life to this festival.
Kite flying in Uttarayan
The most exciting aspect of the Makar Sankranti celebration is the tradition of flying kites on this day. In many parts of the country, like Gujarat, this festival is known as Uttarayan. This festival and the day symbolize the kites flying in the sky, bringing colors to the sky.
Flying kites are not merely a game that is played on this day; it is a tradition that has cultural significance. The act of flying kites symbolizes the aspirations and desires of people to soar high in life. It signifies the friendly competition between people while participating in the game. It indicates people’s enthusiasm for kite flying and their engagement to cut each other’s kite strings.
How is Makar Sankranti celebrated across India?
The unity in diversity of India has been reflected in the different regions of India with regional celebrations of Makar Sankranti. In South India, Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Pongal, a four-day festival. The festival involves cooking the traditional dish with the new harvest rice, along with jaggery and milk prepared in the mud pots. Pongal, also known as Thai Pongal, is dedicated to expressing eternal gratitude to the Sun God for granting the bountiful harvest.
In the Northern States, like Assam, the festival of Magh Bihu is celebrated for a week. The week-long celebration involves conducting various rituals and cultural activities. The first day of Bihu is called Manuh Bihu. This first day is celebrated by singing traditional songs and performing dances as well. It also involves the exchange of homemade sweets among friends and family.
In Punjab, the Makar Sankranti festival is celebrated as Lohri. The festival involves Burning bonfires with a traditional dance known as Bhangra along with the distribution of sweets as well. This festival is held in Punjab, where all the people in their communities come together, share the joy of the harvest, and seek blessings for prosperity.
Harvesting Technology
The traditional methods of harvesting are deeply rooted in the celebration of Makar Sankranti. Modern agriculture has seen significant development in the area of harvesting technology. The use of harvesting technology helps cut and gather crops. This has revolutionized the harvesting process in farming. The comparison of age-old traditions and modern technology during this harvesting festival showcases the elevation of agriculture in India.
Conclusion
Makar Sankranti, the festival of harvesting, beautifully captures the essence of India’s agricultural heritage and diversity. The festivals include kite flying, bonfires, and performing traditional dances, and they bring people together by connecting their roots with the agricultural history of our lives. On this auspicious day, rejoice in the abundance of nature and the fruits of their labor. As the sun moves to Capricorn, farmers across the country celebrate the successful harvest of years of hard work. All the farmer communities come together to cherish and enjoy the spirit of Makar Sankranti, a festival that embodies the sign of unity in diversity and adds to our great legacy, making India a truly remarkable nation.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the symbol of Makar Sankranti?
Ans: Makar Sankranti is also referred to as a festival of nature. It symbolizes the agricultural significance of harvest. On this day, people fly kites to celebrate the spirit of Makar Sankranti. Sesame seeds are called ‘Til’ in Hindi, and people exchange and consume sweets made of sesame seeds. It is believed to bring warmth to the body in the winter. The use of sesame seeds indicates the agricultural significance of the festival. It marks the beginning of the harvest season in many parts of India.
2. What are the reasons behind the Sankranti festival?
Ans: The Sankranti festival, also known as Makar Sankranti is celebrated for various reasons:
- Astronomical Importance: It marks the end of the winter season and the beginning of long days, as the sun moves in the North direction.
- Agricultural Festival: In many parts of India, It is a festival of nature and harvesting. People express gratitude for the growth and abundance of crops. Farmers can relate the fruits of their labor when the harvest happens.
- Cultural Traditions: It’s a festival of agricultural harvesting and social activities. People perform various rituals including taking a bath in the holy river and participating in festive events to celebrate the changing seasons of our country.
- Symbol of Unity: This festival signifies the symbol of unity, It brings people together to celebrate and share the joy of this festival. It promotes a sense of community and harmony altogether.
3. Why is the festival of Makar Sankranti celebrated?
Ans: Makar Sankranti is celebrated to mark the sun’s transition to the Zodiac sign of Capricorn, which is also known as ‘Makar’ in Sanskrit. It denotes the end of the winter season and the beginning of longer days when the sun starts moving ahead. In India, we celebrate this festival by flying kites, conducting feasts, and performing various cultural activities. It’s a time of showing gratitude and thanksgiving to nature, according to Indian culture.
4. Why is the festival named Makar Sankranti?
Ans: Makar Sankranti is an agricultural festival that marks the sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. The word Sankranti marks the movement of the sun from one sign to another. The transition of the sun symbolizes the end of the winter season and the beginning of longer days.
5. Is Makar Sankranti the new year?
Ans: The harvest festival, Makar Sankranti, is not the new year but in some parts of India. It is celebrated as a harvest festival, and it marks the beginning of the traditional Hindu solar calendar.
6. What is the tradition of Makar Sankranti?
Ans: The tradition of Makar Sankranti involves celebrating the sun’s transition into the zodiac sign Capricorn. On this day, people engage in various activities, such as flying kites, taking ritual baths in holy rivers, and preparing special foods.
On this day, it’s a time to express gratitude for the harvest season and changing weather conditions.
7. Why is Makar Sankranti celebrated grandly in India?
Ans: Makar Sankranti is celebrated richly in India because it marks the beginning of longer days and the end of the winter season. The sun moves to the north, and the harvest season begins in India. The festival holds historical and agricultural significance, symbolizing the abundance of prosperity. In India, people celebrate this day to express their gratitude for the harvest by participating in kite flying and cultural events. The festival reflects the cultural diversity of India.
8. Are Uttarayan and Makar Sankranti the same?
Ans: Uttarayan and Makar Sankranti are closely related and are often used to address the festival. Uttarayan also refers to the period where the sun moves in northerly directions. It signifies the beginning of longer days and the end of the winter season. Makar Sankranti is the festival of nature, and it signifies the sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. Uttarayan refers to the astronomical event that the Makar Sankranti is associated with. It is celebrated with various traditions and festivities. In Gujarat, where kite flying is celebrated during this time, it is known as Uttarayan.
