Why is Makar Sankranti or Pongal celebrated?

  • This day signifies a seasonal shift, marking the end of winter and the onset of warmer months. It is associated with the northward journey of the sun (Uttarayan), which begins on this day according to Hindu beliefs.
  • This period also marks the start of longer days and the sun’s shift towards the north, entering the Capricorn zodiac sign.
  • From an astronomical perspective, the Earth’s elliptical orbit around the Sun, which takes about 365 1/4 days, and its axial tilt relative to its orbital plane, determine the change in seasons.
  • For the Northern Hemisphere, where India is located, the axis points most towards the sun around June 21 and away from the sun around December 21, corresponding to the Summer and Winter Solstice respectively.

And why is Makar Sankranti or Pongal always celebrated on January 14?

  • Makar Sankranti is unique in that it follows the solar cycle, unlike many festivals that are based on the lunar cycle, and as a result, it is commemorated on nearly the same date each year. Sankranti is venerated as a deity who, according to folklore, defeated the demon Sankarasur.

What are the rituals associated with Makar Sankranti or Pongal?

  • Sankranti activities include bathing, offering food to the Sun god, charity, performing rituals, and fasting during Punya Kaal. If Makar Sankranti occurs after sunset, these activities are postponed until the next sunrise. Devotees often bathe in sacred rivers and perform spiritual deeds on this day.
  • The celebrations vary regionally. In Tamil Nadu, the four-day Pongal festival begins with house cleaning and decoration. The main festival is on the second day, and the third day, Mattu Pongal, honors the bulls’ contribution to a good harvest. A dish called Pongal, made of rice, milk, and sugar, is a common treat.
  • In Karnataka, there’s a tradition of eating a mixture of sesame seeds and jaggery. Women and children exchange plates of sugarcane, sesame seeds, and jaggery, symbolizing sharing and happiness. Cattle are dressed up and made to jump over fire pits, a spectacle known as ‘Kicchu Haisodu’.
  • In northern India, sesame and jaggery sweets are distributed. In Bihar, the festival is called ‘Khichdi’, named after a dish of rice and lentils. Bonfires are common, with people throwing groundnuts and popcorn into the fire.
  • Kite-flying is popular in Rajasthan and Gujarat, culminating in the annual International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad. In the evening, sky lanterns are released.
Conclusion- The celebration of Makar Sankranti across India is a vibrant and diverse affair, reflecting the rich tapestry of cultural practices in the country. Despite the variations in rituals and traditions, the common thread that binds these celebrations is the reverence for nature’s cycles, the sun, and the onset of the harvest season. The festival not only marks the transition of seasons but also symbolizes sharing, happiness, and community spirit. Whether it’s the kite-flying in Gujarat, the bonfires in Punjab, or the Pongal festivities in Tamil Nadu, each tradition adds a unique flavor to the overall celebration, making Makar Sankranti a truly pan-Indian festival.