Sankranti, also called ‘Makara
Sankranti’ is celebrated to mark the beginning
of the harvesting season in India. It is celebrated
almost all over the country , specially in Tamil
Nadu, Andhra Pradesh. Karnataka and Maharashtra.
In Andhra Pradesh, the Makara Sankranti is celebrated
for three days. During this time, the cultural
supremacy of the state comes to the forefront
as every place is Andhra Pradesh reflects the
festive spirit.
Since the festival is celebrated in the mid winter,
the food prepared for this festival are such that
they keep the body warm and give high energy.
Laddu of til made with Jaggery (Gur)is specialty
of the festival.In Maharshtra it is called 'Tilgul',
but the place where it is celebrated with much
pomp is Andhra Pradesh, where the festival is
celebrated for 3 days and is more of a cultural
festival unlike an auspicious day as in other
parts of India.
The festival is celebrated to mark the transition
of the Sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn during
the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere
(or the beginning of Uttarayana). The famous Kumbh
Mela is also held on Makar Sankranti every 12
years. Hindus gather in large numbers to take
a holy dip at Ganga Sagar on this day every year.
Makara Sankranti is the only Hindu festival which
is based on the Solar calendar rather than the
Lunar calendar.In some parts of India, the festival
is celebrated by taking dips in the Ganga or any
river and offering water to the Sun god. The dip
is said to purify the self and bestow punya. Special
puja is offered as a thanksgiving for good
harvest.
The festival starts with bathing in the ponds
or rivers and offering water to the Sun God (Surya)
and giving alms to the poor. Bhojya daan (charity
of raw food) to the Brahmin is customary on this
day. The Bhojya daan consists of an uncooked mixture
of rice, dal (lentil) ghee - melted butter, cooking
oil, salt and Til (sesame seeds) ke Laddoo - a
sweet preparation. The Bhojya is first dedicated
to Lord Vishnu and Surya and then is offered to
the poor. Such deeds earn special and lasting
merit and assure one a place in heaven, so goes
the belief.
Women wear new clothes, new glass bangles and
hold get-togethers to share sweets and gifts.
A new bride is given ornaments made of sugar drops
and her new relatives are invited to meet and
welcome her at a Haldi (Turmeric) - Kumkum (Red
Vermillion Powder) celebration.
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