Makar Sankranti Story

Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival that marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn). It usually falls on the 14th or 15th of January every year. This festival is celebrated with various names and cultural significance across India. The festival is dedicated to the Sun God and is considered a harvest festival.

One of the popular legends associated with Makar Sankranti is the story of Bhishma Pitamah from the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. It is said that Bhishma, who had the power to choose the time of his death, lay on a bed of arrows and waited for the auspicious time of Uttarayan to leave his mortal coil.

Apart from this, there are regional variations in the stories and customs associated with Makar Sankranti. Here are a few of them:

Uttarayan in Gujarat: In the state of Gujarat, Makar Sankranti is known as Uttarayan. The festival is marked by the International Kite Festival where people from all over the world participate. The legend associated with it is that the deities visit the Earth during Uttarayan.

Pongal in Tamil Nadu: In Tamil Nadu, the festival is known as Pongal, and it is a four-day harvest festival. The festival is associated with the legend of Lord Indra, who sent a crow with a piece of sugarcane to indicate the arrival of the auspicious month of Thai.

Magh Bihu in Assam: In Assam, the festival is known as Magh Bihu. It marks the end of the harvesting season, and a grand feast called the Bhogali Bihu is organized. The night before Makar Sankranti is celebrated with community feasts and bonfires.

Lohri in Punjab: In Punjab, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Lohri. People light bonfires, sing and dance around it, and share sweets and savories. The legend associated with Lohri is the story of Dulla Bhatti, a Robin Hood-like figure known for his acts of generosity.

Makara Vilakku in Sabarimala: In the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, a special ritual called Makara Vilakku is observed on Makar Sankranti. It is believed to be the day when Lord Ayyappa, the deity of the temple, blesses his devotees with a divine light known as Makara Jyothi.

These stories and customs vary across regions, but the common theme is the celebration of the harvest season and the transition of the sun into the northern hemisphere. Makar Sankranti is a time for joy, thanksgiving, and community celebrations.

Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival celebrated with much joy and fervor across India. People indulge in a variety of traditional foods during this festival. Here are some popular Makar Sankranti foods:

Til (Sesame) Laddoo: Til laddoos are a popular sweet made from sesame seeds and jaggery. They are not only delicious but also provide warmth to the body during the winter season.

Gur (Jaggery): Jaggery is a common ingredient used during Makar Sankranti. It is used to make various sweets and dishes. One popular sweet is gur ki roti, where jaggery is mixed with flour to make a sweet flatbread.

Pongal: In Tamil Nadu, the festival is celebrated as Pongal, and a dish called Pongal is prepared. It is a special rice dish cooked with newly harvested rice, lentils, milk, and jaggery.

Khichdi: In many parts of India, especially in North India, people celebrate by preparing khichdi – a dish made with rice and lentils. It is often accompanied by a side of sesame and jaggery.

Undhiyu: In Gujarat, Undhiyu is a special dish prepared during Uttarayan, which is the Gujarati celebration of Makar Sankranti. It is a mixed vegetable dish that is rich in flavors and is traditionally cooked in earthen pots.

Sarson ka Saag and Makki di Roti: In Punjab, people celebrate Lohri during Makar Sankranti, and the traditional meal includes Sarson ka Saag (mustard greens) and Makki di Roti (cornflour bread).

Til Chikki: Til chikki is a crunchy sweet made from sesame seeds and jaggery. It is a popular snack during Makar Sankranti and is often exchanged with friends and family as a symbol of goodwill.

Kheer: Rice kheer, a sweet rice pudding, is a common dessert prepared during the festival. It is made with rice, milk, sugar, and garnished with dry fruits.

Coconut Ladoo: Coconut ladoos are another sweet delicacy made with fresh coconut and condensed milk. They are easy to make and are loved by people of all ages.

Sankranti Special Breads: Different regions have their own special breads prepared during Makar Sankranti. For example, in Karnataka, people make Yellu Bella, which consists of sesame seeds and jaggery.

These traditional foods not only add sweetness to the celebration but also symbolize the richness of the harvest season. Families come together to prepare and enjoy these festive treats, fostering a sense of community and joy.