Makar Sankranti 2023: History, Celebrations and Ways to Enjoy the Festival
Every year in January, India celebrates one of its most beloved festivals – Makar Sankranti. It’s a time for people to come together and enjoy the festivities, with kite flying, feasting and sharing gifts being some of the popular activities carried out on this day. In this article, you’ll learn more about the history behind Makar Sankranti, how it is traditionally celebrated and the various ways you can enjoy this special festival. So read on to find out more!
What is Makar Sankranti?
Makar Sankranti is a festival that celebrates the transition of the sun from the Tropic of Cancer to the Tropic of Capricorn. It is observed on 14th January every year and is a very auspicious day in the Hindu calendar. The word ‘Makar’ means ‘Capricorn’ and ‘Sankranti’ means ‘transition’. Makar Sankranti 2023 is thus named after the transition of the sun into the Makar Rashi (Capricorn zodiac sign).
This festival is also known as Maghi in some parts of India and Nepal. In Tamil Nadu, this festival is called Pongal and marks the beginning of the harvest season. Makar Sankranti 2023 is celebrated all over India with great pomp and show. People take baths in holy rivers, offer prayers to the sun god, exchange gifts and eat special festive foods.
In Maharashtra, it is customary to fly kites on this day. The sky is dotted with colorful kites of all shapes and sizes on Makar Sankranti. This festival signifies the end of winter and the start of spring. It also heralds a good harvest season ahead. So, if you are looking to celebrate Makar Sankranti in a unique way, head to Maharashtra and enjoy flying kites!
Origins and History of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is one of the most popular festivals in India, celebrated by people of all religions. The festival is also known as Uttrayan and marks the beginning of the sun’s journey northwards (the Uttarayan period). Makar Sankranti 2023 is usually observed on 14 January every year and is a day to celebrate the harvest season.
There are many legends associated with the origin of Makar Sankranti. One popular belief is that it marks the day when Lord Vishnu defeated demon king Bali. Another story says that it commemorates the day when sage Kapil Muni got rid of his anger by meditating on Lord Shiva. Yet another legend has it that Makar Sankranti 2023 was the day when sage Bharadvaja regained his sight.
Makar Sankranti celebrations vary across different parts of India. In Maharashtra, for instance, people exchange tilgul (a type of sweet) and greet each other with the phrase “tilgul ghya, god god bola” which means “accept this tilgul and speak sweet words”. In Gujarat, people fly kites and enjoy special meals like Undhiyu (a vegetable dish) on Makar Sankranti.
There are several ways to enjoy Makar Sankrati. If you’re in Maharashtra, go flying a kite! In Gujarat, treat yourself to some delicious Undhiyu. And if you’re
Traditional Celebrations of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is a popular Hindu festival that celebrates the winter solstice. It usually falls on 14 January and is celebrated throughout India. The festival marks the beginning of the sun’s return to the northern hemisphere and the end of the winter season. Makar Sankranti is also known as Uttarayan, Pongal and Lohri.
Makar Sankranti is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm in Maharashtra, where it is called Sankranthi or simply Sankrant. People dress up in new clothes and visit friends and relatives. Families exchange sweets and snacks. A special dish called puran poli (a flatbread stuffed with sweetened lentils) is made on this day. Bonfires are lit in the evening and people gather around them to eat, sing and dance.
In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti is a two-day festival called Uttarayan. On the first day, kites of all shapes and sizes dot the sky as people compete to see who can keep their kite flying longest. The second day is devoted to feasting and visiting friends and relatives.
In Andhra Pradesh, Makar Sankranti is called Muddukranthi or Bhogi Pallu Mella during which people clean their houses before decorating them with rangolis (colorful designs). On this day, people wear new clothes and enjoy special dishes like pongal (a
Modern Celebrations of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is one of the most popular festivals in India, and is celebrated in many different ways. The festival typically falls on January 14th, and is a time to celebrate the start of the harvest season.
One of the most common ways to celebrate Makar Sankranti is by flying kites. This tradition dates back centuries, and is still enjoyed by people of all ages today. Kite flying competitions are also held in many parts of India during Makar Sankranti, and it’s not unusual to see brightly colored kites dotting the sky.
Another popular way to celebrate Makar Sankranti is by making or eating special sweets. The most commonly eaten sweet during this festival is called tilgul, which are balls of sesame seeds and jaggery (a type of unrefined sugar). Tilgul are thought to represent the coming together of different people and communities, and eating them is a way to wish others happiness and harmony.
Other traditional activities during Makar Sankranti 2023 include taking a dip in sacred rivers or lakes (such as the Ganges), lighting bonfires, and performing puja (ritual worship). These days, many people also use the occasion to exchange gifts with friends and family, or go on special trips or outings.
No matter how you choose to celebrate it, Makar Sankranti 2023 is a wonderful time to come together.
Activities to Enjoy on Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is one of the most popular festivals in India. It is celebrated on the 14th of January every year and marks the beginning of the harvest season. Makar Sankranti is also known as the kite festival as it is customary to fly kites on this day.
There are a number of activities that can be enjoyed on Makar Sankranti. One of the most popular activities is flying kites. Kite flying is a tradition on Makar Sankranti and people of all ages take part in it. If you’re not into kite flying, you can also enjoy watching the colorful kites dotting the sky.
Delicious Recipes for Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is a popular Hindu festival that celebrates the sun’s transition into the Capricorn zodiac sign. It is typically observed in January and is a major harvest festival in India. Makar Sankranti is also known as Uttarayan, Pongal and Maghi.
There are many traditional recipes associated with Makar Sankranti. Some of the most popular dishes include:
Pongal: Pongal is a rice and lentil dish that is cooked in milk and seasoned with ginger, cumin, black pepper and other spices.
Bhogicha ladoo: These sweets are made with roasted Bengal gram flour and ghee, and are flavoured with cardamom powder, nuts and raisins.
Til ladoo: Til ladoos are made with sesame seeds, jaggery and peanuts. They are a popular offering on Makar Sankranti.
Thengai paal (coconut milk): Milk infused with freshly grated coconut and sweetened with sugar or jaggery makes for a refreshing drink on Makar Sankranti.
How to Show Gratitude During Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is a popular Hindu festival that is celebrated in many parts of India. The festival marks the beginning of the sun’s northward journey (Uttarayanam) and is considered an auspicious occasion by Hindus. Makar Sankranti is typically celebrated with prayers, feasts and festivities.
One of the best ways to show gratitude during Makar Sankranti is by participating in the many religious ceremonies and rituals that are associated with the festival. Hindus believe that performing these ceremonies and rituals will please the gods and bring them good luck in the coming year. Many of these ceremonies and rituals involve making offerings to the gods, such as flowers, fruits, sweets or rice.
Another great way to show gratitude during Makar Sankranti is by giving gifts to friends, family and loved ones. This is a time of year when people exchange gifts as a gesture of goodwill and love. Giving gifts is also a way of showing appreciation for all that we have been blessed with in the past year.
If you are looking for a more creative way to show gratitude during Makar Sankranti, you can make a special dish or sweet treat to share with your friends and family. This is a great way to show your culinary skills and creativity, while also sharing something delicious with those you care about!
Conclusion
Makar Sankranti 2023 is one of the most anticipated festivals in India that celebrates harvest and goodwill. With its origins dating back to vedic times, this festival has continued to be celebrated by Hindus all over the world with great enthusiasm. Whether it be flying kites, taking baths in riverbanks or simply indulging in delicious traditional foods, there are many ways people can enjoy Makar Sankranti’s festivities. By taking part and acknowledging the rich history behind this colorful celebration, we can ensure that the traditions surrounding it continue for generations to come.