Winter Solstice Lohri / Makar Sankranti / Pongal
For many Hindus, mid January marks the beginning of the spring harvest and the commemoration of the winter solstice. Throughout India, this festival has many names. In the northwestern state of Punjab it is called Lohri. In other parts of northern and central India, it’s referred to as Makar Sankranti. And in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, it’s called Pongal.
Lohri the well-being of loved ones. Often referred to Lohri is celebrated by both Hindus and Sikhs, as the Bonfire Festival especially in the states of Punjab, Haryana, or the Festival of Farmers, Himachal Pradesh, and in the union territory Lohri is a time to be thankful of Jammu and Kashmir. For much of India, and socialize around the fire with the winter crops produce corn and wheat, festive songs and dances to mark the which is sown in October. By January, the arrival of longer days. It is thought that fields begin to crop up with little grains, which the larger the fire, the more warmth will be and gave to the poor. Legend has it that he is marked as a celebratory way of giving provided by the gods during the upcoming saved young women from being kidnapped thanks for the upcoming harvest. This is often cold days and nights. and is regarded as a hero. There are several referred to as a desire for a golden harvest. songs that relay this story and young children Some believe the word Lohri derives from will often go from home to home singing Used to mark the coldest day of the year, loh—a large iron griddle where Indian breads these songs for “loot” such as candy, puffed Lohri signifies the start of winter solstice like chapatis and rotis are made, honoring rice, and peanuts among other treats. and is followed by the longest night and the grain used to make these breads. Others shortest day of the year. As it is quite cold believe that Lohri is celebrated because of The day after Lohri—called maghi or during this time, many will build a fire to keep Dulla Bhatti, the Robin Hood during the time maagha—is the start of the new month and is themselves warm, win over gods—Surya (the of the Mughal empire—he stole from the rich also referred to as Makar Sankranti. sun god) and Agni (god of fire)—and pray for
Makar Sankranti Makar Sankranti is a Hindu solar holiday that marks the transition of the sun into Capricorn (Makar) on its celestial path and the northward journey of the sun. The Sanskrit term Sankramana translates to begin to move. Therefore, the day in which the sun begins to move northwards is called Makar Sankranti. This holiday is celebrated every year in the month of January and honors the sun god Surya and Goddess Saraswati—its significance noted in the Rig Veda, and the Gayatri Mantra.
This is an auspicious time, as for many Hindus, Makar Sankranti marks the new year.
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Accordingly, people will travel to swim in holy or intricate designs hand laid on the floor Pongal rivers such as the Ganges, Yamuna, Krishna, with colored powder, chalk, or rice. On the and Kaveri in hopes of absolving any bad actual day of Makar Sankranti, socializing and Pongal is a four-day harvest festival karma or actions from the past year. This is coming together as a community to enjoy the celebrated in Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, also the time period when the Kumba Mela is “fruits of their labor” is the priority. Pondicherry as well as the Hindu diaspora held every twelve years. and corresponds with Makar Sankranti. For It marks the end of the harvest season many Hindus, especially Tamilians, Pongal Makar Sankranti has spiritual significance and many Hindu farmers will express their ushers in the New Year and is celebrated over for goal setting, as some believe that this gratitude by honoring the cattle that help with four days during the months of Thai—the six-month period during which the sun the farming work. The vital role that cattle January/February season—when crops such travels northwards is highly favourable play is celebrated by decorating them with as rice, sugarcane, turmeric among others are towards defining and meeting goals and garlands of flowers, painted with colored harvested. During Pongal, many offer prayers new endeavors. Therefore, as the northern powders, and given a special feast. Some to Surya, the sun god, for a good harvest and direction of the sun is considered holy, many areas will also hold a mini parade so that the newly harvested produce is cooked for the believe that it is only after this day that all farmers can show off their cattle. first time on that day. auspicious occasions occur—such as an In several of the northern states of India, engagement, a wedding, or any other Hindu In Tamil, Pongal translates to “spilling over,” Makar Sankranti is celebrated by flying kites. ritual or rite of passage. deriving its name from the tradition of In these regions, the sky is filled with kites, boiling rice in a pot until it starts to overflow. While celebrations vary from community to and people of all ages compete by trying Pongal also happens to be the name of a community, the gratitude for the harvesting to cut each other’s kite strings. The spiritual dish consumed during this festive time—a season coming to an end is apparent. The metaphor of kite flying is that as one soars sweetened rice boiled with lentils. Therefore, day before Makar Sankranti is called the and leaps through life, they remain grounded celebrations often include boiling the first Bhogi festival. On this day, old items are by their connection to a higher power and the rice of the season, with milk and jaggery discarded and homes are tidied up with the thread is a sign of devotion and attachment to (a cane sugar). During Pongal festivities, roads swept clean. Some will even have God. Makar Sankranti is also considered an the customary greeting among those that bonfires to rid their homes of old items and auspicious time to give to charities, temples, celebrate is, “Has the rice boiled?” The reply to get rid of evil spirits or unwanted negative and those in need. back is, “It has boiled.” energy. Homes will be decorated with rangolis
Hindu American Foundation Promoting dignity, mutual respect, and pluralism. For educational purposes only. hinduamerican.org Questions? Email us: [email protected] The history of Pongal can be traced back sandalwood paste and conduct repairs to from 200 BC to 300 AD and is also mentioned their ploughs and farming equipment. Some in the Puranas, an ancient Hindu text. One will also use this day to rid their houses popular legend associated with Pongal of unwanted items through a bonfire narrates that Lord Shiva sent his bull, Basava, in a ritual called Bhogi Mantalu. to Earth to spread the message that food The second day—known as should be only eaten once a month so that Surya Pongal—is dedicated there will be plenty of food available on earth to the sun god, Surya. On and that no one will go hungry. However, this day, a special ritual is Basava made an error and stated that people performed where rice and should eat every day. Angered by his mistake, milk are boiled together in a Lord Shiva sent him to Earth to plough clay pot and tied to a turmeric the fields and help people produce food. plant and placed outside as Therefore, Pongal is also associated with an offering to Surya. As part of cattle and they too receive special attention the offering, sugarcane sticks, during the festivities. coconuts, and bananas are also There are several ways to celebrate such given and once they are believed to as drawing kolam—the South Indian be blessed, they are eaten. Kolam are version of rangoli—and a traditional bull- drawn at the entrances of homes. taming event. Festivities continue on for On the third day—known as Mattu Pongal— four days, each with its own significance cattle are honored and decorated with flower and celebrations. All the days of the garlands and painted with colored powder. festival are celebrated differently. The cattle are bathed, given special food, The first day of Pongal—known as Bhogi and are sometimes the recipient of a special Celebrating Abroad Pongal—is celebrated in honor of Lord Indra, blessing by their owner as a way of thanking Even though much of the Indian Diaspora who is considered the god of clouds and them for their hard work. Many will visit are not directly impacted by India’s harvest, rains, and is believed to bring prosperity nearby temples. Sometimes, processions they will visit Hindu temples and hold pujas to the land. On the first day, a specialpuja are held with the murtis (image or statue of for those that are. Honoring traditions and (ceremony) is performed and then the crop a deity) adorned in silks and flower garlands recognizing the significance of these holidays of paddy is harvested. Farmers will apply on decorative float-like vehicles. People will is a way to maintain the cultural and religious get together to perform dances or drama ties from abroad. Some will follow the performances to celebrate the harvest. traditional four days of Pongal observations The fourth and final day—known while others may group the days into one as Kaanum Pongal—marks the ceremony. Many will still gather with others in end of the festival. On this festivities involving singing and dancing. day, a ritual is performed While each of these three holidays have their where the leftover sweet own regional practice, and their celebrations pongal and other food vary from community to community, all of are set out for the them recognize the vital role played by the birds to eat. Kaanum sun, earth, fire, and rain. The Earth represents translates “to visit” food, while fire and rain maintain our health so many will set and land. The sun symbolizes wisdom and out to see relatives spiritual light which provides life and energy. and meet with Together these four elements foster a balance family. Additionally, not just for the individual but for all of the land community and what it offers. events and social gatherings will continue to honor the community spirit.
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Finish Winter Solstice Maze
In this reading, the elements which are significant to winter solstice and harvesting crops are explained. As you go through the mazes, see if you can find the hidden messages spelled out by the path.
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