Why do we celebrate Sankranti festival?
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Lucas Scott
Works at Facebook, Lives in Menlo Park. Holds a degree in Computer Engineering from Stanford University.
As an expert in cultural studies, I have a deep understanding of the significance and traditions associated with various festivals around the world. One such festival is the Makar Sankranti, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm by Hindus in India and Nepal. This festival marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, which is considered a very auspicious time in the Hindu calendar.
Why do we celebrate Sankranti festival?
The Sankranti festivals are significant in Hinduism as they mark the change of seasons and are associated with the movement of the sun. The word "Sankranti" itself means "to move into" or "to pass over" in Sanskrit, and it is used to denote the day when the sun enters a new zodiac sign. There are six Sankranti festivals in a year, each corresponding to the sun's entry into a new house of the zodiac. Makar Sankranti is one of the most important among them, as it marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days and warmer weather.
Cultural Significance
1. Harvest Festival: In many parts of India, Makar Sankranti is also a harvest festival. It is a time when farmers celebrate the harvest of the Rabi crops, which are sown in the winter and harvested in spring. The festival is a way to express gratitude for the bountiful harvest and to seek blessings for the upcoming agricultural season.
2. Purification and Charity: The festival is also associated with the act of purification. Many people take a holy dip in rivers, believing that it cleanses them of their sins and brings good fortune. Charity is another important aspect, with people giving away food, clothes, and other essentials to the less fortunate.
3. Kite Flying: In some regions, especially in Gujarat and Maharashtra, Makar Sankranti is synonymous with kite flying. The sky is filled with a vibrant display of kites, and it is considered an auspicious activity that brings joy and happiness.
4. Traditional Delicacies: Food plays a central role in the celebration of Makar Sankranti. Different regions of India have their own traditional delicacies associated with the festival. In North India, sweets like til-gud (sesame and jaggery sweet) and revadi (peanut sweet) are popular. In South India, dishes like pongal (a rice and lentil dish) are prepared.
5. Mystical and Spiritual Significance: From a spiritual perspective, Makar Sankranti is a time for self-reflection and the pursuit of spiritual goals. It is believed that the sun's transition into Capricorn is a powerful time for performing religious rituals and for the practice of yoga and meditation.
6. Mythological Stories: The festival is also linked to various mythological stories and legends. One such story is associated with the victory of Lord Surya (the Sun God) over the demon Shumbha and Nishumbha, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
7.
Regional Variations: The celebration of Makar Sankranti varies across different regions of India. It is known by different names such as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Magh Bihu in Assam, Uttarayan in Gujarat, and Sukarat in Rajasthan, each with its unique customs and traditions.
In conclusion, the Sankranti festival, particularly Makar Sankranti, is a time of joy, celebration, and spiritual significance. It is a festival that brings communities together, promotes cultural exchange, and fosters a sense of unity and brotherhood among people.
Why do we celebrate Sankranti festival?
The Sankranti festivals are significant in Hinduism as they mark the change of seasons and are associated with the movement of the sun. The word "Sankranti" itself means "to move into" or "to pass over" in Sanskrit, and it is used to denote the day when the sun enters a new zodiac sign. There are six Sankranti festivals in a year, each corresponding to the sun's entry into a new house of the zodiac. Makar Sankranti is one of the most important among them, as it marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days and warmer weather.
Cultural Significance
1. Harvest Festival: In many parts of India, Makar Sankranti is also a harvest festival. It is a time when farmers celebrate the harvest of the Rabi crops, which are sown in the winter and harvested in spring. The festival is a way to express gratitude for the bountiful harvest and to seek blessings for the upcoming agricultural season.
2. Purification and Charity: The festival is also associated with the act of purification. Many people take a holy dip in rivers, believing that it cleanses them of their sins and brings good fortune. Charity is another important aspect, with people giving away food, clothes, and other essentials to the less fortunate.
3. Kite Flying: In some regions, especially in Gujarat and Maharashtra, Makar Sankranti is synonymous with kite flying. The sky is filled with a vibrant display of kites, and it is considered an auspicious activity that brings joy and happiness.
4. Traditional Delicacies: Food plays a central role in the celebration of Makar Sankranti. Different regions of India have their own traditional delicacies associated with the festival. In North India, sweets like til-gud (sesame and jaggery sweet) and revadi (peanut sweet) are popular. In South India, dishes like pongal (a rice and lentil dish) are prepared.
5. Mystical and Spiritual Significance: From a spiritual perspective, Makar Sankranti is a time for self-reflection and the pursuit of spiritual goals. It is believed that the sun's transition into Capricorn is a powerful time for performing religious rituals and for the practice of yoga and meditation.
6. Mythological Stories: The festival is also linked to various mythological stories and legends. One such story is associated with the victory of Lord Surya (the Sun God) over the demon Shumbha and Nishumbha, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
7.
Regional Variations: The celebration of Makar Sankranti varies across different regions of India. It is known by different names such as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Magh Bihu in Assam, Uttarayan in Gujarat, and Sukarat in Rajasthan, each with its unique customs and traditions.
In conclusion, the Sankranti festival, particularly Makar Sankranti, is a time of joy, celebration, and spiritual significance. It is a festival that brings communities together, promotes cultural exchange, and fosters a sense of unity and brotherhood among people.
Studied at Harvard University, Lives in Boston. Currently pursuing a career in medicine as a resident physician.
In India with the new year comes the festival of Makar Sankranti, a festival celebrated by Hindus. Makar Sankranti falls on the day of the year when the sun, the king of all planets, is in the rasi (house) of Makar (Capricorn). ... According to the Hindu calendar, it is celebrated in the month of Magha.
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Isabella Gonzales
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In India with the new year comes the festival of Makar Sankranti, a festival celebrated by Hindus. Makar Sankranti falls on the day of the year when the sun, the king of all planets, is in the rasi (house) of Makar (Capricorn). ... According to the Hindu calendar, it is celebrated in the month of Magha.
