MAKAR SANKRANTI the Transition of the Sun WHAT IS MAKAR SANKRANTI?

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MAKAR SANKRANTI The transition of the Sun WHAT IS MAKAR SANKRANTI? . On this day people thank the Sun God “Suryadev” for a good harvest, and offer the first grain to him. It marks the transition of the Sun into Makar Rashi, or the zodiac sign of Capricorn. From this day the Sun begins its 6 month long journey towards the north, also known as Uttarayan. It’s considered an auspicious time. Makar Sankranti is the harvest festival of India A It’s also known as the Thanksgiving festival of India. Unique feature of this festival is that it’s always celebrated on January 14th. WHY IS IT CELEBRATED The importance of this day was highlighted during the Mahabharat, when Bheeshma was intent to leave his body on this day. HOW IS IT CELEBRATED? It’s celebrated in almost all parts of India, and the celebration depends on the region. Houses are cleaned, painted, and decorated and kolams/Rangoli are made in front of the houses. Many people take bath in holy rivers like Ganga, Yamuna or visit holy places like Kashi , Prayag and pray to Suryadev. Rangoli/Kolam HOW IS IT CELEBRATED? People buy new clothes for the whole family to mark the festivities. On this day, people visit each other and they exchange sweets and delicacies. Some foods people make are laddus made if sesame seeds and jaggery. They are specialities of the festival. CELEBRATION IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF INDIA It is known as Pongal which derives its name from the ritual of boiling a mixture of rice, milk and jaggery, and allowing it to spill over. Pongal Celebration Family members gather outside their house and cook Pongal in clay pots. Clay pots are painted and decorated with turmeric, flowers and mango leaves. When the rice inside the pot overflows. The people rejoice saying, Pongal o Pongal!,as the overflow of rice symbolizes a prosperous farming for them. People worship Sun God on this day by offering both pongal and sugarcane. Sugarcane is offered as a symbol of sweetness and happiness in life. Pongal celrbration Pongal Celebration The third day is known as “Maatu Pongal”. This day is considered as the day of pongal for cows. For villagers, the cow, a giver of milk and the bull which ploughs the fields are very valuable and therefore farmers dedicate this day in honor of their cattles. This is a thanksgiving for these two animals. Cattles are washed and their horns are decorate with paint flowers . A bull taming sport called “Jallikattu” is played on this day. A bull is left to run in an open ground. Young men display their bravery by attempting to jump on the bull and control it . People gather in thousands to watch this sport. Kite Festival Lohri Celebration Seasme Laddu Haldikumkum celebration SIGNIFICANCE OF CELEBRATION Bhogi - This is time to clean up; that means getting rid of all unnecessary things not only in your home; but also in your mind, emotions, in your body, in your consciousness. It’s an occasion to forget the past and allow new light to enter one’s life. It’s an opportunity for families to offer respect to the land and animals that feed them on a daily basis. It gives us a chance to thank God for prosperity and well-being throughout the year. SIGNIFICANCE OF CELEBRATION This festival great joy and auspiciousness on farmers, householders, priests and children. It must drive away all disappointments and despair and fill every heart with hope and enthusiasm. - Baba; divine discourse Jan 12th, 2004.

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