Makar Sankranti 2024: How to celebrate the festival of harvest, joy and kites in a traditional way
Makar Sankranti, the harvest festival celebrated in various parts of the Indian subcontinent, is being celebrated on 15th January 2024. This festival marks the transition of increasingly lengthening days and the sun's movement towards the North.
The history behind Makar Sankranti revolves around the worship of the Sun God 'Surya' for success and prosperity. Devotees partake in a holy dip in the river Ganga and gather on its banks for meditation, believing that this ritual cleanses the soul and absolves them of sins.
Although predominantly a Hindu festival, Makar Sankranti is celebrated with great fervor throughout the country. The festival includes worshipping the first crop of the season and distributing rewari and popcorn.
Makar Sankranti holds special significance for the agriculture community as it celebrates their harvest. Unlike most Indian festivals which follow the lunar cycle, Makar Sankranti follows the solar cycle and is consistently celebrated on 15th January each year.
This festival also marks the beginning of Uttarayana, an auspicious six-month period for Hindus.
The festival honors the hard work of farmers who have sowed seeds and plowed fields, eagerly anticipating the rewards of their labor. The first crop of the season is worshipped with devotion, accompanied by singing and dancing around bonfires.
A significant aspect of Makar Sankranti is the traditional food customs. Sesame seed and jaggery laddoos are prepared and distributed, symbolizing harmony among people.
