Makar Sankranti Celebration (Pongal), When, Where and How to Celebrate?

Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival that is celebrated annually on January 14th in India. It marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar) and the beginning of the month of Magha.

Makar Sankranti is a time of great cultural significance in India. It is a time when people come together to celebrate the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer, warmer days. It is also a time of great spiritual significance. It marks the beginning of the sun’s northward journey, which is seen as a metaphor for the journey of the soul.

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Other Names for Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is also known with other names in different region and states of India

Pongal in Tamil Nadu
Lohri in Punjab
Sankranthi in Andhra Pradesh
Maghi in Punjab, Haryana Jammu division
Maghi, Maghi Saaji or Magha Ra Saza in Himachal Pradesh
Uttarayan in Gujarat

Makar Sankranti Celebration : Traditions and Rituals

One of the main rituals of Makar Sankranti celebration is the making and flying of kites. Kite flying is a popular activity on this day. It is said to symbolize the release of one’s negative energies and the embrace of positivity.

In some parts of India, people also participate in bonfires, which are seen as a way to burn away any negativity and start fresh.

Another important aspect of Makar Sankranti is the offering of prayers to the Sun God, Surya. Hindus believe that Surya is the source of all life and energy on earth, and that he has the power to bring prosperity and good fortune to those who worship Him.

On this day, people offer flowers and water to Surya as a way of expressing their gratitude and seeking His blessings.

Makar Sankranti is also a time for people of different castes and communities to come together and strengthen the bonds of friendship and brotherhood. In many parts of India, people exchange sweets and gifts as a symbol of love and friendship. There are also many traditional games and activities that people participate in.

One of the most unique aspects of Makar Sankranti is the tradition of taking a dip in holy rivers. Hindus believe that bathing in the water of rivers such as the Ganges and the Yamuna on this day has the power to purify the body and soul.

It is also a way for people to show their devotion to the Gods and seek their blessings.

Whether you are participating in the traditional rituals of kite flying, bonfires, and river bathing, or simply enjoying the company of loved ones, Makar Sankranti is a time to celebrate and embrace the positive energy that surrounds us.

Makar Sankranti Celebration (Pongal) in Tamil Nadu

Pongal is a four-day harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu, a state in southern India. It is typically celebrated in the month of January and is one of the most important festivals in the Tamil calendar.

On the first day of Pongal, people prepare sweet rice and offer it to the Sun God, Surya. This is known as Bhogi Pongal.

On the second day, people celebrate Mattu Pongal, which is a day dedicated to honouring cows, which are considered sacred in Hinduism.

The third day is known as Kanum Pongal, which is a day of relaxation and enjoyment.

On the fourth and final day, people celebrate Kanya Pongal, which is a day for young girls.

During the festival, people dress in traditional Tamil clothing and participate in various cultural activities such as singing and dancing. Pongal is also a time for families to come together and exchange gifts.

Makar Sankranti Celebration (Lohri) in Punjab

Lohri is a popular winter festival celebrated in the northern Indian state of Punjab, as well as in other parts of the country and among the Punjabi diaspora around the world. It is typically celebrated on the 13th of January, the night before Makar Sankranti, which marks the end of the winter solstice.

Lohri is a celebration of the Sun and the start of the lengthening of days. It is traditionally a time to honor the Gods and Goddesses and to give thanks for the blessings of the previous year. On Lohri, people light bonfires, perform traditional folk dances, and exchange sweets and gifts.

One of the most important traditions of Lohri is the singing of traditional folk songs, which often tell the story of the legendary Punjabi folk hero Dulla Bhatti. Lohri is also a time for people to come together and enjoy delicious food, such as sarson da saag (mustard greens) and makki di roti (cornmeal flatbread).

Makar Sankranti Celebration (Sankranthi) in Andhra Pradesh

Sankranthi is a popular festival celebrated in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, as well as in other parts of the country. It is typically celebrated in the month of January and marks the beginning of the harvest season.

On Sankranthi, people participate in a variety of cultural activities, such as singing and dancing, and exchange gifts and sweets with friends and family. One of the most important traditions of the festival is the flying of kites, which is enjoyed by people of all ages.

In Andhra Pradesh, Sankranthi is also a time for people to visit temples and offer prayers to the gods. Special prayers and rituals are held at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, which is one of the most important Hindu temples in the state.

In addition to these cultural activities, Sankranthi is also a time for people to enjoy traditional Andhra Pradesh food, such as pongal (a type of rice dish), payasam (a sweet milky dessert), and ellu-bellam (a mixture of sesame seeds and jaggery).

Makar Sankranti Celebration (Maghi) in Punjab, Haryana Jammu Division

Maghhi or Maghi is a Punjabi festival that marks the end of winter and the beginning of the Punjabi New Year. The festival usually falls in January or February, and is celebrated on the first day of the month of Magh according to the Punjabi calendar. Maghhi is a time for families to come together and celebrate with traditional food, music, and dance.

One of the main customs of Maghhi is the preparation of a special dish called “Sajji”, which is a type of roast meat, usually mutton or lamb, that is skewered and roasted over hot coals. The meat is seasoned with a blend of spices and is typically served with roti (a type of flatbread) and chutney. People gather around the fire pit and enjoy the sajji with their friends and family.

In addition to sajji, traditional sweets such as jaggery, gur and til (sesame seeds) are also prepared and distributed among friends and family. People also decorate their homes with flowers and lights, and wear new clothes.

Another traditional practice is to take a bath in a nearby river or lake early in the morning and people visit to Gurudwaras to pay their respects and participate in the community langar.

Maghi Mela is also held in some places at this time, that is annual fair where people come to participate in cultural and social activities, like wrestling competitions, folk music and dance performances, and also to purchase items such as clothes, jewelry, and household goods.

Makar Sankranti Celebration (Magha Ra Saza) in Himachal Pradesh

Magha Ra Saza is a festival celebrated in the Himachal Pradesh region of India, specifically in the Kinnaur district. The festival is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Magha (January-February) according to the lunar calendar, which usually falls in January or February.

The festival is celebrated to mark the end of the harvest season and to give thanks to the Gods for a bountiful harvest. The people of Kinnaur district celebrate the festival with great enthusiasm and joy.

One of the main customs of Magha Ra Saza is the preparation of a special dish called “Sajji”. It is similar to the Sajji prepared during Maghi festival. Sajji is a type of roast meat, usually mutton or lamb, that is skewered and roasted over hot coals. The meat is seasoned with a blend of spices and is typically served with roti (a type of flatbread) and chutney.

Another traditional practice is to take a bath in nearby river or lake early in the morning. People visit to temple to pay their respects and participate in the community prayers and offerings.

Makar Sankranti Celebration (Uttarayan) in Gujarat

Uttarayan, also known as Makar Sankranti, is a major festival celebrated in the Indian state of Gujarat. The festival marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn) and is celebrated on January 14th each year.

The main attraction of the festival is the kite flying competition that is held on the rooftops and open spaces all over Gujarat. People from all ages come together and enjoy flying kites. There is a great display of colorful and creative kites of all shapes and sizes.

People also prepare traditional food items like undhiyu, chikki, sesame laddoo and more. Gujaratis also give a lot of importance to traditional customs. People take holy dips in river, lakes and other water bodies on this day.

Apart from kite-flying, there is also a wide array of cultural programs, competitions and events that are organized all over the state. These include music and dance performances, cultural parades, and traditional sports like Matka race, kite-fighting competition and more, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Mythology Of Makar Sankranti

In Hindu mythology, the festival is associated with the story of the Hindu God Surya (the Sun God) and his son, Shani.

According to the myth, Surya was once married to a woman named Sanjana, who was unable to bear the heat and radiance of Surya’s body. She begged him to reduce his brightness, and Surya agreed, taking the form of a human being and marrying Sanjana. However, their son Shani was born with the same radiance as his father, and Sanjana was unable to bear it. She asked Surya to take Shani away, and Surya agreed, leaving Shani in the care of the seven sages.

Shani grew up to be a great warrior and was eventually reunited with his father. However, he was not pleased with Surya’s behavior and cursed him, causing Surya to lose his brightness and power. Surya pleaded with Shani to lift the curse. Shani agreed, but only on the condition that Surya would cross the equator on Makar Sankranti and enter the zodiac sign of Capricorn, where Shani held sway. Surya agreed, and every year on Makar Sankranti, he makes the journey across the equator, marking the beginning of the festival.

Makar Sankranti Celebration : Special Recipes

Here are some popular recipes that are traditionally prepared during Makar Sankranti in India:

Til Laddoos: These are sweet balls made with sesame seeds and jaggery. They are a popular treat during Makar Sankranti and are often exchanged as gifts with friends and family.
Khichdi: This is a popular dish made with rice and lentils, seasoned with spices and often served with ghee (clarified butter) and pickles.
Gajak: This is a type of sweet made with sesame seeds and jaggery, which is popular in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
Pitha: These are sweet or savory cakes made with rice flour and filled with a variety of ingredients such as coconut, jaggery, or nuts. They are popular in the eastern Indian states of Odisha and West Bengal.
Patishapta: This is a type of sweet crepe filled with a mixture of coconut and jaggery, and is popular in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal.
Sakkarai Pongal: This is a sweet rice dish made with rice, mung beans, and jaggery, and is popular in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

What To Wear For Makar Sankranti Celebration ?

There is no specific attire that is traditionally worn during Makar Sankranti, as the festival is celebrated in different parts of India and each region has its own cultural and traditional dress.

In general, people tend to wear bright and colorful clothing to celebrate the festival.

In some parts of India, men may wear traditional Indian clothing such as a dhoti or kurta, while women may wear sarees or salwar kameez. In other parts of the country, people may choose to wear more modern clothing such as jeans and t-shirts.

It is important to respect local customs and traditions when attending Makar Sankranti celebrations, and to dress modestly and appropriately.

If you are unsure of what to wear, it is always a good idea to ask for guidance from the locals or to observe what others are wearing.

Makar Sankranti Celebration Auspicious Time 2023

The festival of Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on 15 January 2023, Sunday. According to Drik Panchang, Makar Sankranti Punya Kala timing is from 07:16 AM to 05:47 PM with a duration of 10 hours and 32 minutes. The Makar Sankranti Maha Punya Kala timing is from 07:16 AM to 09:01 AM with a duration of 1 hour 45 minutes.

Do’s on The Day of Makar Sankranti

On Makar Sankranti, do worship at the time of sunrise and sunset offering water to the Sun God.
Donate on the day of Makar Sankranti. It is considered very auspicious. Also, it is considered good to donate sesame-jaggery and khichdi on this day of Makar Sankranti.
Offer prayers to ancestors on the day of Makar Sankranti. Pitradosh is removed in the house and the souls of the ancestors get peace by doing Tarpan on this day.
Take a bath in the holy rivers on the day of Makar Sankranti. The best is Ganga river bath as the Ganga is considered the most sacred of all rivers. You can take bath with Ganga water and sprinkle it in the house as well to remove sins and bring positive energy, happiness and prosperity.

Don’ts On The Day of Makar Sankranti

On the day of Makar Sankranti, refrain from eating stale or leftover food even by mistake. It is believed that by doing this, more anger and negativity commands inside you.
Don’t consume Tamasik food like meat, alcohol, garlic and onion on Makar Sankranti. Eat only pure veg food.
Don’t insult poor and helpless people on this day else you become a participant of sin. Avoid saying bad words on this day.