Makar Sankranti 2025: History and cultural significance; how people bask in festivities across India ?
PTC News Desk: India gears up to celebrate Makar Sankranti, a festival steeped in history, cultural richness, and religious fervour. Occurring annually in mid-January, Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara Rashi), symbolising the end of winter and the onset of longer, sunlit days.
Historical Roots and Cultural Significance
Makar Sankranti has deep historical roots, harking back to ancient times when communities celebrated the shift in seasons – from the harshness of winter to the promise of milder weather. This transition was seen as a sign of hope and positivity. The festival is also linked to various legends, with one narrative telling the story of the deity Sankranti triumphing over the demons Sankarasur and Kinkarasur, adding a mythical layer to the festivities.
Beyond Borders
The fervour of Makar Sankranti extends beyond Indian borders. In Gujarat, it is known as Vasi Uttarayan, in Nepal as Maaghe Sankrant, and in Punjab as Maghi. The celebration even reaches Southeast Asia, with Thailand observing it as Songkran and Cambodia as Mohan Songrak.
How Makar Sankranti is celebrated in different parts of India
Punjab, Delhi and Haryana: In Punjab, Delhi, and Haryana celebrated as Makar Sankranti, on this auspicious day, all brothers visit their married sisters and bring them warm clothes and sweets. Married women show their affection and respect for their in-laws by giving them shawls, sweets, clothes, and other items. Families congregate in one location to celebrate the festival.
Tamil Nadu: Makar Sankranti is known as the Pongal festival in Tamil Nadu. This festival is held for four days in a row, with each day having a different meaning. People clean and declutter their homes, as well as decorate them, on the first day. Aside from that, they wear new, colourful clothes while discarding the old ones.
Assam: In Assam, it is celebrated as Bihu and marks the start of the Assamese New Year. People dress in traditional attire such as dhoti, gamosa, and saadar mekhela on this day. They also sing traditional folk songs and dance to celebrate.
Uttarakhand: In Uttarakhand, Makar Sankranti is known as Gughuti, or the festival of welcoming migratory birds. People feed Khichdi and other food items as a charity and organise donation camps.
Himachal Pradesh: Magha Saaji is celebrated as Makar Sankranti in Himachal Pradesh. Sankranti is known as Saaji in India, and Magha is the name of the month. On this day, people bathe in the holy rivers of the area and visit temples to seek the Lord's blessings.
Happy Makar Sankranti!
- PTC NEWS
