Makar Sankranti, celebrated on January 14th each year, marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara). This festival signifies the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days, symbolizing new beginnings and the harvest season. Across India, Makar Sankranti is observed with diverse customs and traditions, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the nation.
1. Punjab: Lohri Celebrations
In Punjab, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Lohri on January 13th. This festival is a vibrant affair, especially among the farming community, marking the end of the winter season and the onset of the harvest period. People gather around bonfires, singing traditional songs and performing the energetic Bhangra dance. Offerings of sesame seeds, jaggery, and rewri are thrown into the fire as a tribute to the deities, seeking prosperity and abundance.
2. Gujarat: Uttarayan and Kite Flying
In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti is known as Uttarayan, a festival synonymous with kite flying. The skies are adorned with colorful kites of various shapes and sizes, symbolizing the ascent of the sun and the spirit of freedom. Families and friends gather on rooftops, engaging in friendly kite-flying competitions, accompanied by traditional snacks like undhiyu (a mixed vegetable dish) and chikki (a sweet made of sesame seeds and jaggery). The International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad attracts enthusiasts from around the world, adding a global dimension to the celebrations.
3. Tamil Nadu: Pongal Festivities
In Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Pongal, a four-day harvest festival expressing gratitude to nature. The first day, Bhogi Pongal, involves discarding old belongings in a bonfire, symbolizing a fresh start. The second day, Surya Pongal, is dedicated to the Sun God, with the preparation of the traditional dish ‘Pongal’—a sweet concoction of rice, milk, and jaggery—cooked in new clay pots. The third day, Mattu Pongal, honors cattle for their role in agriculture, with cows and bulls adorned with colorful beads and bells. The final day, Kaanum Pongal, is reserved for social gatherings and community bonding.
4. Karnataka: Suggi and Ellu Birodhu
In Karnataka, the festival is known as Suggi, a harvest celebration. A notable tradition is ‘Ellu Birodhu,’ where women exchange plates containing a mixture of sesame seeds, jaggery, coconut, and peanuts, along with sugarcane pieces. This exchange symbolizes friendship and goodwill, accompanied by the saying “Ellu bella thindu olle maathadi,” meaning ‘eat the mixture of sesame and jaggery and speak only good.’ Families also prepare dishes like ‘Sakkare Acchu’ (sugar molds) and decorate their homes with rangoli (colorful floor designs) to mark the festive spirit.
5. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana: Pedda Panduga
In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Pedda Panduga, a three-day festival. The first day, Bhogi, involves lighting bonfires with agricultural waste and old items, signifying the destruction of evil. The second day, Sankranti, is marked by prayers, new clothes, and feasts featuring dishes like ‘Ariselu’ (a sweet made of rice flour and jaggery) and ‘Pulihora’ (tamarind rice). The third day, Kanuma, is dedicated to cattle, with farmers showcasing their livestock, and in some regions, engaging in traditional sports and activities.
6. Bihar and Jharkhand: Khichdi Festival
In Bihar and Jharkhand, Makar Sankranti is referred to as the Khichdi festival. Devotees take holy dips in rivers and offer prayers. The traditional meal of the day is ‘Khichdi,’ a preparation of rice and lentils, accompanied by items like ‘Chokha’ (mashed vegetables), papad, and ghee. Sesame sweets and laddus are also prepared and distributed among family and friends, symbolizing unity and togetherness.
7. Assam: Magh Bihu
In Assam, the festival is celebrated as Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu, marking the end of the harvesting season. Festivities begin on Uruka, the eve of Bihu, with community feasts. Temporary huts called ‘Bhelaghar’ are constructed from bamboo and thatch, where the feast is enjoyed. The next morning, these huts are set ablaze, and people indulge in traditional games like ‘Tekeli Bhonga’ (pot-breaking) and buffalo fights. Delicacies such as ‘Pitha’ (rice cakes) and ‘Laru’ (coconut and sesame sweets) are prepared, adding to the festive fervor.
8. West Bengal: Poush Sankranti
In West Bengal, Makar Sankranti is known as Poush Sankranti, marking the end of the Bengali month of Poush. The festival is synonymous with the preparation of ‘Pithey,’ traditional rice-based sweets filled with coconut, jaggery, or ‘kheer’ (thickened milk). The Ganga Sagar Mela, held at the confluence of the Ganges and the Bay of Bengal, attracts thousands of pilgrims who take a holy dip, seeking salvation. Cultural performances, including folk songs and dances, are integral to the celebrations, reflecting the state’s rich artistic heritage.
9. Maharashtra: Makar Sankranti and Tilgul
In Maharashtra, the festival is marked by the exchange of ‘Tilgul’—sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery—with the phrase “Tilgul ghya, goad goad bola,” meaning ‘accept these sweets and speak sweet words.’ This practice signifies forgetting past ill-feelings and fostering new friendships.
