Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan is one of the most significant festivals in the Hindu faith. It marks a new beginning on both astrological and spiritual levels. According to Indian astrology, this is the day the Sun transitions from the zodiac sign of Sagittarius to Capricorn.
This celestial movement of the Sun from one zodiac sign to another is called a 'Sankranti,' and its entry into Capricorn (Makara) makes this day particularly special.
Apart from its astrological importance, Makar Sankranti is a day dedicated to austerity & spiritual practices. These include bathing in the holy Ganges (Ganga Snana), performing acts of charity, and worshipping Lord Suryadev (the Sun God).
This Makar Sankranti festival is also affectionately known as the Khichdi Festival. It's called so because of the widespread tradition of preparing and sharing this dish.
When is Makar Sankranti? 🗓
This shift in the Sun's position also marks the beginning of Uttarayan, the six-month period when the Sun travels northward.
This period is considered highly auspicious, and it is believed that prayers, chanting, and donations performed during this time bring multifold benefits to the seekers.
The Diversity of Celebration and Food 🍪
The common thread running through all these celebrations is the use of sesame (til) in various forms.
Sesame holds a special place on this day not only for its cultural significance but also for its health benefits, particularly in the winter season.
The spiritual fervor of the day is also visible at events like the Magh Mela. Where a large number of saints and pilgrims gather to take a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.
The tradition of donating food, clothes, and other necessities to the poor is also an integral part of the festival, performed with great reverence.
Makar Sankranti: The Kite Festival 🎈
While it is a fun-filled activity, the tradition has a deeper significance rooted in health. The primary reason for flying kites is to expose the body to the early morning sunlight.
During the winter season, sunlight is a natural source of Vitamin D, which is essential for the body and beneficial for the skin and bones.
How to Celebrate Makar Sankranti
- Morning Rituals: Wake up early, take a holy bath, and perform offerings (Arghya) to the Sun God.
- Spiritual Reading: Read a chapter of the Srimad Bhagavad or the Bhagwad Gita.
- Donations: Donate new grains, blankets, and ghee to the needy.
- Khichdi Preparation: Prepare fresh khichdi with new grains and dedicate it to God before consuming it as Prasad.
- Sun Worship: Give Arghya to the Sun by adding red flowers and Akshat (unbroken rice grains) to the water.
- Charity: Donate red clothes, copper utensils, and wheat to those in need.
- Fasting: Many people observe a fast or do not consume food in the evening.
The Significance of Sesame on Makar Sankranti
Here’s how sesame is incorporated into the festival:
- Offering to the Sun: Offer water to the Sun God by adding sesame seeds.
- Worship: Fill a steel or iron vessel with sesame and place it in front of you during your prayers.
- Donation: Donate sesame seeds along with utensils to a poor person.
- Relief from Planetary Defects: It is believed that performing these rituals provides relief from pains and defects associated with the planetary positions.
The festival of Makar Sankranti is a beautiful blend of cultural tradition, spiritual devotion, and seasonal wisdom.
It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and community, celebrating the Sun's journey and the abundance of the harvest.
Wishing you a very Happy Makar Sankranti!