Sankranti celebrations follow the sun
The Indian panorama presents an impressive gallery of cultures, traditions, and festivals that attest to the richness of a millennia-old civilization. Within these unique customs, there exist some core commonalities that cut across regional diversities and bind people together in celebration. One such festival widely and enthusiastically observed across the country and its diaspora is Makar Sankranti, a celebration of the harvest season.
Dedicated to Surya Devata or the Sun God, Makar Sankranti marks the northward movement of the sun. It is the day on which the sun transits from the zodiac of Sagittarius (dhanu) to Capricorn (makara). Known as uttarayana, this journey of the sun is believed to bring in longer and warmer days in the northern hemisphere.
It is also a favorable time for agriculture. There is an abundance of fresh produce from the land, so people offer their gratitude to Mother Earth for a bountiful supply of food.
Makar Sankranti is one of the very few Hindu festivals based on the solar cycle. It is usually observed on January 14, but in a leap year, the date shifts to the 15th. Pomp and joy mark this day that is considered to usher in peace, prosperity, and happiness.
Why is Makar Sankranti considered auspicious?
Like many of our festivals and celebrations, enthralling myths and legends tell the story of Makar Sankranti. One legend says that the festival is named after a deity, Sankranti. To put an end to the ferocious killing of human beings by the demon Sankarasur, the Goddess Sankranti killed him on that day. She had slayed another demon named Kinkarasur on the day following.
A belief exists that those who die on the day of Makar Sankranti attain moksha or salvation. Sankranti has been associated with enlightenment, the ultimate goal of a meaningful life. We find one such reference in the Mahabharata. Bhishma was granted a boon by his father King Shantanu to choose his own death. So after being mortally wounded in the Kurukshetra War, he waited till Makar Sankranti because he wished that his final journey from earth follow the path of light or moksha.
There is another story that is rather intriguing. According to the Puranas, Lord Surya visits his son Shani on the day of Makar Sankranti. Although their relationship otherwise is not cordial, this is the day when they cast aside all differences and bond. The event of Makar Sankranti therefore holds the importance of a father-son relationship.
Sankranti and sesame seeds
Makar Sankranti is sometimes known as Til Sankranti because of the extensive use of til or sesame during the festival. The health benefits of sesame seeds are well documented. Amongst other advantages, their consumption protects against arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease, and they are an excellent source of plant protein.
From a religious point of view, there are stories from the Hindu scriptures that explain why sesame is considered sacred. The Sun God Surya is regarded as the source of all life and energy, and til is thought to be the source of solar energy. As a mark of respect to Surya and to seek his blessings, sesame is consumed during Sankranti.
It is believed that Lord Vishnu’s sweat turned into sesame seeds when in utmost anger he killed Hiranyakashipu for torturing his son. Another story narrates that the sweat of Vishnu trickled down as sesame during samudra manthan, the churning of the ocean by the demons and gods to produce the divine elixir of immortality.
Sesame is supposed to have been blessed by Lord Yama, the God of death. Therefore they are accepted as the seeds of immortality.
Diversity in Sankranti celebrations
My personal sentiments of Makar Sankranti are tied with Magh Bihu, the festival celebrated by the people of Assam, where I grew up. Also known as Bhogali Bihu (bhog meaning eating), it is a time of great feasting.
For several days, the kitchen would buzz with activity right from the morning in preparation for the event. We would hear rice being pounded and coconut being grated. The aroma of roasting sesame and melting jaggery filled our nostrils.
The day before Sankranti is called uruka. People gather around bonfires at night in joyous celebration. Scrumptious, elaborate meals are prepared with duck, chicken, fish, and seasonal vegetables. The next morning, mejis or makeshift huts made out of twigs, bamboo, and hay, are burned. Prayers are offered to Agni, the God of fire. The Bihu breakfast is a big spread of larus and pithas, two of many signature Assamese delicacies.
Poush Sankranti or Poush Parbon is observed with great enthusiasm in West Bengal. Also called pithe parbon, different types of delicious pithe are prepared from rice flour. Payesh made out of milk and date palm jaggery and pathisapta are among the many items prepared for Sankranti. The Ganga Sagar Mela is held every year around this time. People come from all over the nation to take a holy dip at the confluence of the river Ganga and the Bay of Bengal.
Uttarayan is the name of Makar Sankranti in Gujarat. After their morning bath and prayers, people fly kites, and it is an array of beautiful colors in the blue sky. The words “kai po che” rent the air. The flying of kites is thought to bring in good fortune. Delicacies that are relished include undhiyu (a dish prepared with mixed vegetables) and chikki (made of sesame seeds and peanuts).
Makar Sankranti in Uttar Pradesh is known by the name of Khichdi Parv. The special dish of khichdi is prepared and offered before the Sun God to be eaten as prasad later. The sharing of laddoos made of jaggery and sesame is another highlight of the festival.
A day before Makar Sankranti, Lohri is celebrated in Punjab and primarily marks the harvest of rabi crops at the end of winter days. Prayers are offered to Surya and Agni. Dressed in traditional attire, there are songs and dances around bonfires at night.
Based on the same premise of the harvest festival, South India celebrates Pongal. Pongal means “spilling over”. The name is traced to the tradition of making a dish when the newly harvested rice is boiled in milk with jaggery till it overflows. It is later offered to Lord Surya.
Usually a three or four day affair, celebrations start with Bhogi Pongal, followed by Surya Pongal and Matu Pongal, and wrapped up with the final day of Kanum Pongal. The list of rituals includes discarding old possessions, cleaning and decorating houses, paying respect to cattle, and participating in events to kindle community spirit.
Preserving traditions that defines us
We love to take pride in our culture and heritage because the customs and traditions that we follow essentially define who we are. They become even dearer to us when we are thousands of miles away from our motherland. There is always an earnest desire to pass on the legacy to our next generation.
Makar Sankranti is about recognizing abundance and being grateful for the blessings bestowed upon us. To all those who celebrate, may warmth and goodness fill your days, and may happiness and peace grace your lives!