Why is January 14th/15th so special?
Unlike most Hindu festivals which follow the lunar calendar, Makar Sankranti follows the solar cycle. It marks the day the Sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara), signaling the end of winter and the start of longer days.
Makar Sankranti Basics
What does "Sankranti" mean?
"Sankranti" means "transition" or "movement." It refers to the movement of the Sun from one zodiac sign to another. Makar Sankranti is specifically the transition into Capricorn (Makara).
Why do people eat Sesame and Jaggery?
Scientifically, sesame (til) and jaggery (gur) generate heat in the body, which is beneficial during the cold of January. Spiritually, the sticky mixture symbolizes bonding and forgetting past ill-will ("Tilgul ghya, god god bola").
Uttarayan & Kites
What is the difference between Sankranti and Uttarayan?
They are often used interchangeably, but technically, Makar Sankranti is the specific day the sun enters Capricorn. Uttarayan is the six-month period of the sun's northward journey that begins around this time.
Why are kites flown on this day?
Historically, kite flying was a way to expose the body to the morning sun to get Vitamin D after a long winter. Over time, it evolved into a massive cultural celebration, especially in Gujarat, symbolizing high aspirations and joy.
Pongal (Tamil Nadu)
Is Pongal the same as Makar Sankranti?
Yes and no. They occur at the same time and both celebrate the harvest and the Sun. However, Pongal is a specifically Tamil celebration spanning four days, with unique rituals like the boiling of rice in milk.
What are the 4 days of Pongal?
- Bhogi: Discarding old items, burning bonfires.
- Surya Pongal: Main day, worshipping the Sun with Pongal dish.
- Mattu Pongal: Worshipping cattle (cows/bulls) for their help in farming.
- Kaanum Pongal: Family gatherings and outings.
Magh Bihu (Assam)
What defines Magh Bihu?
Magh Bihu, or Bhogali Bihu, is marked by community feasts and bonfires called Meji. It marks the end of the harvesting season when granaries are full.
What are the traditional foods?
The festival is synonymous with rice cakes called Shunga Pitha, Til Pitha, and coconut sweets (Laru).
Ganga Sagar Mela
Where does the Ganga Sagar Mela take place?
It takes place on Sagar Island in West Bengal, at the confluence where the holy River Ganges merges into the Bay of Bengal.
Why is it significant?
It is the second-largest Hindu gathering after the Kumbh Mela. A dip here on Makar Sankranti is believed to wash away all sins, commemorating the legend where King Bhagirath brought the Ganga down to liberate his ancestors' souls.
Mythology
Who is Bhishma Pitamah?
In the Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah waited on a bed of arrows for the sun to enter Uttarayan before leaving his mortal body, believing that dying during this auspicious time leads to salvation (Moksha).