Makara Sankranti

Sankranti is the transmigration of the sun from one Rashi (zodiac sign) to another.  As the number of rashis is 12, the number of Sankrantis in a calendar year also equals 12.  Sankranti marks the beginning of the calendar month in sidereal solar calendars followed in some Indian states.  Each Sankranti is named after the rashi it enters.

The most celebrated Sankrantis in a year are the Makara Sankranti (January 14/15 - Uttarayan), Mesha Sankranti (April 14/15 Puthandu/Vishu/Bihu/Baisakhi/Poila Boishak), and Mithuna Sankranti (June 14/15 - considered to be the annual menstruating phase of mother earth.)

Makara Sankranti, as its name suggests, marks the transit of the sun into the Makara Rashi (Capricorn) from Dhanu Rashi (Sagittarius).  This transit of the sun marks beginning of Uttarayan which signifies the end of winter and start of longer days in the Northern Hemisphere, when the sun appears to rise from the north.  Mentioned in the vedas, this is one of the oldest recording of equinoxes and solistices.

The thawing of the chilly winter with the welcome warmth of the sun calls for a celebration. Also, the sun ripens the standing crops in the fields across the land  and it is time for farmers to reap the hard-earned gains of their labour! So it is widely celebrated as a harvest festival, in gratitude and as thanksgiving, for keeping pots and granaries overflowing. It’s a fine example of how social customs are connected to the cycle of seasons and economics in our country, of which agriculture forms the backbone.

In Maharashtra, Makara Sankranti is a three-day long festival.  The first day is celebrated as Bhogi (This coincides with Lohri in Punjab).  On this day, people discard old and derelict things and concentrate on new things, symbolising change or transformation.  A platter or thali called the Bhogi thali (rice, millet rice, sugar halwa (popularly known as tilgul), mixed vegetables, carrots and spring onions served on millet flour flatbread) is offered to God and then shared with neighbours.

Bhogi Thali in my home 

On the second day, which is actually Makara Sankranti, earthen pots are filled with  til-gul, chickpea, lima beans, green peas, sugarcane, phobi nut, carrots, and groundnuts and worshipped (it may be noted that all these crops are harvested in this season).  This is known as Vamsa, and represents the family.  The large pots are the adults and tiny pots children.   An offering of puran poli is made to gods.  Later in the evening, people greet each other saying, "तिळगुळ घ्या, गोड बोला (til-gul ghyaa, goad bola)" meaning, ‘Accept sweets and utter sweet words,' and exchange til-gul (sesame-jaggery) as tokens of goodwill. The underlying thought is to forgive and forget the past ill-feelings, resolve conflicts, speak sweetly and remain friends. Married women come together and perform a special 'Haldi-Kumkum' ceremony, where they exchange metal articles of daily use.

Vamsa with Ingredients prepared by my daughter, Shalvi 

Til-gul Ladoo and Haldi Kumum

Day three is Kinkrant.  According to Vishnu Purana, a demon named Kinkarasura was killed on this day by the Goddess and hence the name; kinkara+anta, meaning the end of Kinkarasura (anta means end).  On this day, bali (sacrifice of life, generally a rooster or a male goat) is offered to the Goddess.

Though the rituals may vary, there are many similarities in the way the festival is celebrated all over India.  The presiding deity is Surya Devta (Sun God).  Common activities include kite flying, consumption of sweets containing sesame seeds, wearing black clothes, and Prayag snan (bathing at the confluence of rivers).  This bath is believed to absolve one of all past sins!  Scientifically, black absorbs heat and thus, black clothes let the the sun's heat pass into the body, aiding further growth (ripening), hence the use of black costumes.

As the South symbolises end/destruction in mythology, the movement of the sun towards the North during Makara Sankranti (Uttarayan) signifies a new beginning.  It symbolizes the awakening of seeds that were dormant during Dakshinayan.  Though not a harvest festival, the rituals across the country signify prosperity; whether it is the overflowing pot of Pongal or the high flying kites.  After braving the cold winter, the farmers worship Sun God to shine on their crops and help them reap the benefits of their labour.  Thus Makara Sankranti signifies hopes for prosperity.

Wishing all our readers, a very happy Sankranti -- may the sun of good fortune smile on you and your families always!

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Credits:  I am grateful to Nupur, my dear friend for citing some important points that have been included in the article.