Makar Sankranti – Northern States Festivities in Full Swing

Makar Sankranti – usually celebrated during 14^th January every year is the festival which heralds the arrival of spring and the new harvest season for farmers in India. It holds an astrological significance too and as it is one of the few Indian festivals that is celebrated on a particular date as per the Gregorian calendar.

India, synonymous for its festivals and their celebrations, celebrates Makar Sankranti in various parts of the country with few regional variations in terms of rituals and traditions followed. From Punjab to Chhattisgarh, to Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, WestBengal, and the North-eastern states, this festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm.

Take a look at some of the states in Northern Indian and get to know their rituals and traditions specific to this festival.

Assam: In Assam the festival is celebrated as MaghBihu or BhogaliBihu. Since it is the harvest festival, granaries are full and during nights they prepare food and enjoy lot of fun and festivities with their communities.

Punjab: In Punjab, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Maghi. The eve of Maghi and the day is celebrated as Lohri. Huge bonfires are lit and people sing and dance around it. On the festive day of Maghi, bathing in the river in the early hours of the morning is customary and lighting the lamp with sesame oil is considered to bring in prosperity. An elaborate festive meal with Kheer and Khichdi are a must.

Rajasthan: In Rajasthan, a particular ritual where 13 married women are given any kind of object is observed as part of the Sankranti celebrations. Known as ‘Makar Sankrat’, kite flying is traditionally observed as part of festive celebrations.

Gujarat: Known as ‘Uttarayan, in Gujarat the important feature of this festival is kite flying. People assemble on the terraces of their houses and enjoying kite flying. A whole lot of sweet delicacies mainly from til or sesame is prepared during this festival.

In whole, Makar Sankranti brings in a new fervor and enthusiasm to the lives of the people. It signifies prosperity as the harvesting would have just ended. It also marks the beginning of spring – season of colours and promises a great year ahead for the farming community.

Let’s celebrate Makar Sankranti with great fanfare!

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