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MAKAR SANKRANTI - A FESTIVITY OF SUN'S TRANSITION TOWARDS CAPRICORN

Day of Makara Sankranthi Celebration: January 14, 2007

Place Of Merriment: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerela, Assam and Orissa

The Indians celebrate the alternation of seasons very vibrantly and sacredly. One such celebration is Makar Sankranti. It falls on January 14 every year. This date is pre-determined according to the solar calendar. It marks the beginning of the Sun's north-journey towards Capricorn.

Meaning of Makar Sankrant

Astrologically, Makar means 'Capricorn' and 'Sanskranti' is transition. It is a transition of the Sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn. In geographical glossary, it is called as 'Winter Solstice'. This is characterized by equal day and equal night. From this day onwards, the weather becomes warmer and pleasant, after the chilly winds blowing across the country.

Myraid Rainbow of Festivity

Makar Sankranti is celebrated since the existence of the Aryans. This festival is celebrated in different myriad cultural forms across the country.

UTTAR PRADESH: It is known as 'Khichri'. On this day, lakhs of devotees take a holy dip in sacred religious waters in the Sangam, where the sacred rivers of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati flow together. At this confluence, Kumbh Mela is held for full one month on a grand scale.

WEST BENGAL: On this day, a mammoth fun fair called 'Mela' is enjoyed at the Ganga Sagar. It is believed that the River Ganga—a holy river of India, have vivified the ashes of over sixty thousand ancestors of King Bhagirath.

TAMIL NADU: In Tamil, it is called as 'Pongal'. It means surging of rice boiled in a pot of milk. Highly popular among the farming community, where they rejoice the harvest of their crops—particularly rice and sugarcane. On this day, a tasty meal where rice and pulses cooked together in ghee and milk is offered to the God after the rituals.

ANDHRA PRADESH: Telugus calls it 'Pedda Panduga' meaning a big festival. It is rejoiced as a harvest festival celebrated for four full days. These are Bhogi, Sankranti, Kanuma and Mukkanuma.

MAHARASHTRA: It is the Mahrashtrians who loves this festival the most. For it is the time to munch 'til-guls' and til polis, sweet balls from sesame seeds, jaggery and sesame seeds oil (til). On this day, members greet each other by saying in Marathi 'Til gul ghya, god god bola'. This means in English 'accept these tilguls and speak sweet words'.

GUJARAT: On this day, Gujaratis celebrate this day of exchange of gifts along with tilguls. The Gujarati Pundits grant special scholarships to students for higher studies in astrology and philosophy. Kite flying festival is hoisted in a very big way, where all shapes and sizes kites are hoisted giving a spectacular treat.

How to celebrate Makara Sankranthi when you are away from India?