Makar Sankranti

What is the story behind the celebration of Makar Sankranti?

There are certain stories and history behind the celebration of each festival that make it more special and exciting. Like every festival, it has a mythological story behind its celebration. Likewise, Makar Sankranti is also celebrated after a story of Sankranti, a devi or a divinity. So, on the auspicious occasion of this festival, Sankranti killed the evil demon Sankarasur, who was considered a fallen angel. Furthermore, after the main day of Makar Sankranti, the next day is named Karidin and Kinkrant, on which the devi killed another demon, Kinkarasur. So, this is one of the most common makar sankranti history behind the celebration of this harvest festival.

Furthermore, there isn’t any other mythological story behind the celebration of Makar Sankranti. However, the main reason behind the celebration of Makar Sankranti is the transition of the Sun. Also, in earlier days, people used to predict the seasonal changes due to the arrival of festivals like Makar Sankranti and Lohri. So, this was the time when people used to know about the changing seasons and the agricultural cycles. Moreover, during earlier times, festivals and celebrations were some of the best ways to connect to deities and nature and thank them.

What is the significance of Makar Sankranti?

The celebration of Makar Sankranti is very significant in the Hindu Culture. The sun is of the utmost importance in Hindu culture, where people worship the Sun God as a source of life. The celebration of Makar Sankranti is also related to the Sun, where the Sun starts its journey towards the Northward direction. So, this is the period when it changed from Karka Sankranti to Makar Sankranti, known as the Dakshinayan. Moreover, the celebration of Makar Sankranti is also a way to thank all the agricultural workers who harvest new crops.

Moreover, on the day of Makar Sankranti, people wear yellow tones as a colour of new beginnings, positivity and purity. All the families come together and distribute sweets among each other to celebrate this harvest festival. This festival combines all the spiritual, agricultural and religious celebration that adds significance to the Hindu culture. Furthermore, the transition of the Sun from Southward to Northward is also a reminder of new beginnings and fresh opportunities.

What are the Rituals and Remedies involved in Makar Sankranti?

There are some rituals and remedies that people follow to celebrate Makar Sankranti. On this day, there are certain rituals and remedies to follow that make the celebration more auspicious and exciting.

Makar Sankranti Rituals

• The first and most important ritual is taking a dip in the holy river early in the morning. This ritual is believed to cleanse all the sins and purify your body.
• On this, people visit temples to worship and offer prayers to the Sun god as a thanksgiving for being the source of life.
• The most exciting ritual on this day is flying Sankranthi kites, where everyone gathers on their rooftops to fly kites with their friends and families.
• On this day, people prepare Khichdi as an offering to God and then enjoy it with their families.
• On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, there is also Magh Mela, which people visit to enjoy this festival.
• Many traditional sweet items are also prepared, such as til ladoo, which is made of sesame seed and jaggery. Moreover, these sweets are offered and shared among each other to celebrate and share joy among each other.
• One of the most famous items enjoyed on the day of Makar Sankranti is Dahi Chura (yoghurt and Flattened Rice). Eating dahi chura mixed with sugar on Makar Sankranti is especially famous in Uttar Prades, Jharkhand and Bihar.

Makar Sankranti Remedies

• It is very pure to offer sesame seeds to birds on this day as it reflects your gratitude towards animals.
• You will be blessed and filled with positivity if you apply tilak made of haldi (Turmeric Powder) and Sesame oil on the day of Makar Sankranti.
• On this day, you can also plant a sampling showing gratitude towards the environment as you celebrate the auspicious harvest festival.
• You can distribute sweets to your nearby friends and family, which are prepared at home, such as til ka ladoo and Gur Rewri. Doing this can help you maintain a great relationship and harmony with each other.

Conclusion

So, that was all about Makar Sankranti rituals, the significance and history that make this festival exciting and vibrant. This is the time for relatives and friends to come together to celebrate leaving behind all the past because it’s the festival of a new beginning.