Sankranthi

One of the most auspicious festivals observed throughout India is Sankranti, also called Makar Sankranti. As the Sun begins its trip north ("Uttarayana"), it signals the beginning of longer days and the Sun's entry into the zodiac sign of Capricorn ("Makara").

This festival usually celebrated on January 14th or 15th, has deep cultural, agricultural, and spiritual meaning. For farmers, the celebration is especially significant because it heralds the start of harvest. Offerings are made to the Sun God as a sign of appreciation during the commemoration of freshly harvested crops in several regions of India. For this reason, the celebration is sometimes called a harvest festival.

Makar Sankranti is seen as extremely auspicious for carrying out deeds of charity, such as giving money, food, and clothing to needy people. In sacred rivers like the Ganges, ritual bathing is thought to bring blessings and atone for sins. Since the event is observed across caste, religious, and geographic borders, it also represents unification.

Customary Foods

A major component of the Sankranti festivities is food. Sesame seeds, jaggery, and newly harvested grains are used to make delicacies like tilgul, sweet Pongal, murukku, and chikkis. In addition to representing wealth, these elements are thought to be nourishing throughout the winter months.

Current Significance

Festivals like Sankranti serve as a reminder to maintain a connection to our heritage, show appreciation for the abundance of nature, and cultivate a feeling of community in today's fast-paced world. People from different generations continue to come together via the lively festivities and customs. Sankranti is essentially a celebration of spirituality, nature, and life that serves as a reminder of the balance between the cosmos and human existence.