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Makar Sankranti: A Festival Celebrated Differently Across India
Makar Sankranti is a colourful festival that is celebrated in India every January. And just like another Hindu festival, it is an auspicious day throughout the country. The significance of Makar Sankranti shines on how it brings everyone together. It is also called a festival of harvest and holds deep significance for farmers as it celebrates nature's bounty. The days get longer, farmers start their harvests, and the entire country bursts into celebration. But did you know that kite flying is not the only thing? Every state does it differently!
Here we’ll explore the question: ‘Makar Sankranti is celebrated why’, its cultural importance, and the diverse ways it is celebrated across India.
A Celebration of Agriculture and Harvest
This festival has great India’s agricultural roots. Makar Sankranti is a festival of the sun's shifting towards Capricorn (Makar), bringing longer, warmer days. It is also a good period for winter crops to mature. This transition is very important for farmers who help in cultivating fields of gold.
Sugarcane, the star crop of this season, represents abundance and sweetness. Its juice transforms into ‘jaggery’, a key ingredient in traditional sweets like tilgul and Pongal. Among the 5 harvest festivals in India, Makar Sankranti stands out for its cultural and seasonal importance, connecting hearts and homes nationwide.
Why Is Makar Sankranti More Than Just a Festival?
The significance of Makar Sankranti also lies in India's mythology. It honours Surya Puja, or the worship of the Sun God, which reminds us of positivity, and new beginnings. Makar Sankranti is a festival of reunion and family harmony, where Lord Surya visits his son, Lord Shani. Another tale highlights the goddess Sankranti’s triumph over evil, which emphasizes victory and renewal.
In South India, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as the Pongal celebration, which thanks the Sun God for an abundant harvest. In North India, it is celebrated for Bhishma Pitamah’s passing during Uttarayana.
Celebrating India’s Rich Harvest Traditions
Ever wondered how one festival can bring an entire country together while celebrating it in different ways? The significance of Makar Sankranti lies in exactly this beautiful diversity! Here’s how various states celebrate one of the 5 harvest festivals in India.
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Uttar Pradesh and Bihar: The Khichdi Festival
In Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Makar Sankranti is known as the 'Khichdi Festival'. The devotees take refreshing dips in the holy Ganga, followed by cooking and sharing khichdi. For them, this festival is not just about the food, but also about sharing their blessings with those in need, making it a celebration of compassion.
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Tamil Nadu: Pongal Celebration
Tamil Nadu celebrates Makar Sankranti as a Pongal celebration. It turns into a four-day, starting with Bhogi. Thai Pongal takes center stage, as families cook sweet Pongal with freshly harvested ingredients, and homes are decorated with colorful rangoli designs. The celebration extends to showing gratitude to cattle and strengthening community bonds.
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Andhra Pradesh and Telangana: Pedda Panduga
In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, they call it Pedda Panduga - the ‘Big Festival.’ Over three days, people gather around bonfires, make delicious Ariselu (sweet rice cakes), and fill the skies with colourful kites. There's even a special day dedicated to thanking cattle for their role in farming.
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Karnataka: Suggi and Ellu-Bella Tradition
Karnataka brings its own flavour to the Makar Sankranti festival with the Suggi festival. Their unique Ellu-Bella tradition is where people exchange sesame seeds, jaggery, and other goodies. They also create beautiful sugar figurines and decorate cattle.
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Gujarat: Uttarayan Kite Festival
Gujarat takes the celebration to new heights with the Uttarayan Kite Festival. The sky becomes a rainbow canvas as families gather on rooftops for friendly kite battles. Gujarat is renowned for undhiyu and jalebi, but has also attracted festivities globally with the Kite Festival in Ahmedabad.
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Maharashtra: Makar Sankranti Festival
Maharashtra keeps things sweet with their tilgul tradition, where people savour the sweet and recite, "Tilgul ghya, god god bola" (take this sweet and speak sweetly) Women wear black sarees (a winter tradition) and join haldi-kumkum ceremonies, while everyone enjoys puran poli and tilgul laddoos.
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Punjab: Lohri
In Punjab, Lohri brings the warmth of community spirit. Families gather around bonfires, singing and dancing to the traditional bhangra songs while throwing peanuts and other things into the fire as offerings. It's extra special for newlyweds and newborns, symbolizing new beginnings.
Common Themes Across India
Makar Sankranti marks the start of the Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years in Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain, where millions gather to bathe in sacred rivers, seeking spiritual cleansing. This festival celebrates devotion, unity, and tradition, showcasing a miniature India.
It also signifies the end of the Pausha month, with rituals like bonfires in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh symbolizing transformation.
Celebrate Makar Sankranti with Sweet Karam Coffee
Makar Sankranti isn't just another festival, it is a reminder of the different cultures and traditions of India. The significance of Makar Sankranti lies in its joyous spirit and cultural richness.
This Sankranti, let Sweet Karam Coffee make your festivities even more special. Indulge in our Paati-approved snacks like Spl Madras Mixture, Ribbon Pakoda, and Murukku Sticks, made with high-quality ingredients to bring you the soulful taste of home-style South Indian flavours. You can also savour it with our filter coffee, a sip of which feels like a warm hug from home.
Let the mouth-watering flavours of Sweet Karam Coffee complement your Sankranti feast, adding a nostalgic touch to your celebrations. Explore our range of snacks and coffee that promise to make your festival memorable.
