Happy Sankranti 2025

Happy Sankranti 2025

Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival celebrated in India and all over the world in various forms. It marks the sun’s transit into the Makara (Capricorn) rashi (zodiac sign), on its celestial path. The day is also significant as it marks the beginning of the sun’s northward journey, which is called Uttarayan, and the end of the winter season.

It is primarily a harvest festival, signifying the end of winter and the beginning of longer days. Farmers rejoice as their crops are ready for harvest, and they offer prayers to the Sun God, Surya, for a bountiful harvest.

Makar Sankranti is a festival that brings people together to celebrate the harvest season, the sun’s journey, and the spirit of new beginnings. It is a time for joy, gratitude, and the sharing of delicious food.

A Celebration of the Sun’s Journey

Sankranti, also known as Makar Sankranti, is a Hindu festival that marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara). It is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India and other parts of the world with Hindu populations.

Sankranti 2025 - The Solar Festival’s Significance

Astronomical Significance: Makar Sankranti marks the entry of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. This is a significant astronomical event that has been observed for centuries.

Spiritual Significance: Sankranti is also considered an auspicious time for spiritual practices and charity. People take a holy dip in rivers and lakes, believing it to cleanse their sins and bring good fortune.   

Religious Significance: In Hindu mythology, it is believed that on this day, Lord Surya (the sun god) visits his son, Lord Shani (the lord of Saturn), who is the ruler of Makar rashi. This meeting is considered to be auspicious.

Cultural Significance: The festival is celebrated with vibrant colours, traditional dances, music, and delicious food. It signifies new beginnings, hope, and positivity. People exchange gifts, especially sweets made with sesame seeds (til), and enjoy feasts with family and friends. 

How Sankranti is Celebrated - Local Customs

Sankranti is celebrated with different names and customs in various parts of India:   

Pongal (Tamil Nadu): Celebrated over four days, with the first day dedicated to cleaning and preparing for the festival.   

Lohri (Punjab): A bonfire is lit, and people dance around it, singing traditional songs.   

Bhogali Bihu (Assam): A large bonfire is lit, and people feast on traditional Assamese dishes.

Maghi (Himachal Pradesh): People take a dip in hot springs and offer prayers to the deities.

The usual rituals for this great festivals are:

Early Morning Rituals: Many people wake up before sunrise and take a holy dip in rivers or lakes. They then offer prayers to the Sun God by performing Surya Namaskar (sun salutations) and chanting mantras.

Feasting and Sharing: Families and friends gather to enjoy a delicious feast, often featuring traditional dishes made with sesame seeds, jaggery, and peanuts.

Kite Flying: Kite flying is a popular activity during Sankranti, especially in Gujarat and other parts of western India. People fly colorful kites and compete with each other. 

Bonfires: In some regions, bonfires are lit to symbolize the burning of negativity and welcoming the new season.

Charity and Giving: People donate food, clothes, and money to the needy, believing it to bring good karma.

Makar Sankranti is celebrated with different names and customs in various regions of India:

North India: In North India, it is known as Makar Sankranti and is celebrated with kite flying, bonfires, and feasting on traditional foods like til ladoo (sesame seed sweets), gajak (sesame and jaggery brittle), and khichdi (a dish made of rice and lentils).

Gujarat: In Gujarat, it is celebrated as Uttarayan with kite flying competitions and feasting on undhiyu (a mixed vegetable dish) and jalebi (a sweet made of deep-fried batter).

Maharashtra: In Maharashtra, it is celebrated as Makar Sankranti with people exchanging tilgul (sesame and jaggery sweets) and saying “tilgul ghya, god bola” (accept these tilgul and speak sweet words). Puris, aloo sabzi, and tilachi poli (sesame flatbread) are also prepared.

South India: In South India, it is celebrated as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Makara Sankranti in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, and Magh Bihu in Assam.

Tamil Nadu: Pongal is a four-day festival celebrated with the preparation of pongal (a dish made of rice and milk), decorating houses with kolam ( Rangoli), and performing puja.

Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh: Makara Sankranti is celebrated with the exchange of Ellu Bella (a mixture of sesame seeds, jaggery, peanuts, and coconut), and preparing special dishes like holige (sweet flatbread) and payasam (sweet porridge).

Assam: Magh Bihu is celebrated with feasting, bonfires, and traditional games. Til pitha (sesame rice cakes) and laru (sweet balls made of rice flour and jaggery) are special delicacies.

Sankranti Festival and Regional Recipe Ideas

Sankranti is a harvest festival that celebrates the end of the winter harvest season and the beginning of the new harvest season. Farmers express their gratitude for a successful harvest and pray for a prosperous year ahead.

A Time for Joy and Gratitude

Sankranti is a time for joy, gratitude, and togetherness. It is a reminder of the cycle of nature and the importance of celebrating the bounties of life.

South India (Tamil Nadu & Karnataka):

Pongal: A sweet rice dish made with milk, jaggery, and spices. It’s a must-have during Pongal celebrations.

Sakkarai Pongal: A sweeter version of Pongal, made with more jaggery.

Ven Pongal: A savory version of Pongal, made with lentils, spices, and ghee.

Payasam: A creamy sweet dish made with milk, rice, and sugar or jaggery. There are many variations of payasam, such as rice payasam, semolina payasam, and moong dal payasam.

Unda/Undey: Small, round-shaped sweet dumplings made with flour, jaggery, and coconut.

North India (Punjab):

Til Ladoo: Sweet balls made with sesame seeds, jaggery, and nuts.

Rewari: A brittle sweet made with sesame seeds, jaggery, and flour.

Gajak: A crunchy sweet made with sesame seeds, jaggery, and nuts.

Makki di Roti & Sarson ka Saag: A traditional Punjabi dish of cornbread and mustard greens.

Lohri Special Thali: A festive thali featuring various dishes like makki di roti, sarson ka saag, til ladoo, and rewari.

East India (West Bengal):

Pitha: A type of steamed cake made with rice flour, jaggery, and coconut. There are many variations of pitha, such as patishapta, chanar jilipi, and dudh puli.

Kheer: A sweet rice pudding made with milk, sugar, and spices.

Luchi: A type of deep-fried bread that is often served with aloo dum or cholar dal.

West India (Gujarat):

Undhiyu: A mixed vegetable dish made with root vegetables, beans, and spices.

Surati Ghari: A sweet dumpling made with flour, jaggery, and coconut.

Chikki: A brittle sweet made with sesame seeds, peanuts, and jaggery.

Gujarati Kadhi: A savory yogurt-based curry that is often served with rice or roti.

These are just a few of the many delicious regional recipes that are enjoyed during the Sankranti festival. Each region has its own unique culinary traditions that are passed down from generation to generation.

Leave a Reply