Kite flying, til laddus, and great weather await you as Makar Sankranti is just to come! A vibrant festival celebrated all over India with great zeal but with different names and rituals. Known as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayana in Gujarat, Lohri in Punjab and Haryana, Bhogali Bihu in Assam, Khichdi in Uttar Pradesh, the other regions recognise this festival simply as Sankranti or Makar Sankranti. The heart of the festival? The special sweet dishes! Like til ladoo and gajak, which are exchanged with loved ones.
Do you know that it's one of the few Hindu festivals that are celebrated according to the solar calendar? Plus, Makar Sankranti doesn't only have religious significance only but also possesses a cultural as well as astronomical significance. How? Let's begin with the Makar Sankranti meaning before diving into the deeper stuff.
Meaning of Sankranti
The word Makar means Capricorn and the word Sankranti means transition or movement, Makar Sankranti marks the day when the Sun commences its northwards journey, known as Uttarayana. The Sun begins to move towards the Northern Hemisphere and thus the amount of sunlight and warmth increases and days become longer. This is why Makar Sankranti holds a special astronomical significance. This day is regarded as one of the most auspicious occasions in India and symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. It's the perfect time to say goodbye to those lazy winter days and make resolutions for a fresh start.
Makar Sankranti’s cultural and religious significance
Delving into the history of Makar Sankranti, according to a legend, once Lord Vishnu killed a demon named Sankarasur and from then Makar Sankranti is celebrated as the victory of good over evil. Coming to why Makar Sankranti, also known as Poush Sankranti is so special culturally, it's the time to celebrate harvest! The air is filled with happiness and a quiet sense of appreciation, people worship and thank God Surya ( Sun ) for light, warmth and a bountiful harvest. The harvest crops are offered to God Surya and then enjoyed by the people while sharing with their loved ones. Farmers also worship cattle and mother nature expressing thankfulness.
Best places in India to immerse yourself in the magic of Makar Sankranti
1. Ahmedabad, Gujarat
If a grand celebration of Makar Sankranti is what you are looking for, head off of Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It hosts an international kite festival which attracts people from far and wide. The skies are adorned with hundreds of kites, of different shapes, sizes and colours. These skies would be the most colourful skies you have ever seen. Whether you're a participant or a spectator, you couldn't help admiring this magnificent display of kites.
Must-visit sites - Sabarmati Ashram and markets of the old city.
2. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
For individuals seeking a fusion of spirituality and festivity, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh can be your dream destination to indulge in the celebration of Makar Sankranti. Here, the people take a holy dip in river Ganges at the ghats, while worshipping God Surya. It is believed that if you take a dip here, all your sins will be washed away. Plus, soak the mesmerizing sight of thousands of earthen lamps in the river at the time of Ganga Arti, a perfect combination of aesthetics and spirituality.
Must-visit sites - Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Dashashwamedh Ghat.
3. Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Madurai, Tamil Nadu offers you one of the best opportunities for Sankranti celebration. Known as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti is much more than a festival here. Celebrated for four days in rural areas and two days in urban areas, a special dish known as Pongal is prepared at every home. You can admire the beautiful Kollam (rangoli patterns), and enjoy community events like Jallikattu( bull taming) in village areas. Plus, the grand celebration awaits you at Meenakshi Amman Temple.
Must-visit sites- Meenakshi Amman Temple and village areas for a more authentic experience.
Must-try dishes to enjoy Makar Sankranti
Indulge in these essential delicacies for a truly Happy Sankranti
- Til Laddoo: These are no less than bites of joy and happiness, til Ladoo is synonymous with Makar Sankranti in many parts of India. A must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth, til laddoo are primarily made with sesame seeds and jaggery which are not only yummy but also super nutritious.
- Gajak - Everyone's winter favourite, Gajak holds a special place in our hearts. Primarily made with sesame, peanuts and jaggery, they come in a variety of shapes from rectangles to cylindricals. Did you try Gajak these winters?
- Payesh- Another sweet dish which is generally prepared on special occasions such as Makar Sankranti, Payesh is an authentic south Indian dessert. Similar to kheer, it is made with rice, dry fruits, milk and jaggery, giving it a unique earthy taste.
- Puran poli - Cherish Makar Sankranti with Puran Poli, a Maharashtrian delight that looks like a paratha but is sweet in taste. This is simply a stuffed paratha with the tasty filling of moong dal and jaggery.
- Khichdi - This is one of the most significant dishes made on Makar Sankranti in India, especially in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. This savoury culinary delight is generally prepared with urad dal and rice while you can also replace urad dal with any other lentils. Adding a dollop of ghee is a must.Plus, it's super healthy!
Hope these Sankranti details will help you to create some unforgettable memories this Makar Sankranti.