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Makar Sankranti is a vibrant and joyous festival celebrated across India to mark the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara). It is a time of great significance, symbolizing the end of winter and the arrival of longer days. This auspicious occasion is celebrated with diverse traditions and customs in different states of India, adding to the cultural tapestry of the nation.
Makar Sankranti in Telangana: A Blend of Rituals and Festivities
In Telangana, Makar Sankranti is celebrated with great joy and traditional rituals. The festivities kick off a day earlier with Bhogi, where people discard old and worn-out items by burning them in a bonfire. This act symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the welcoming of the new. On the day of Sankranti, people wake up before dawn for a ritualistic bath in the sacred rivers and visit temples to seek blessings.
Haridasu and Gangireddu Performances: Unique to Telangana, Haridasu (devotees of Lord Vishnu) and Gangireddu (a decorated bull) performers go from house to house, singing devotional songs and performing traditional dances. Residents reward them with rice, jaggery, and other essentials.
Rangoli Competitions: The streets come alive with vibrant rangoli designs made with rice flour and colorful powders. Communities organize rangoli competitions, showcasing intricate patterns and designs that reflect the cultural heritage of the region.
Kite Flying: The sky in Telangana is adorned with colorful kites during Makar Sankranti. Kite-flying competitions are a highlight, with participants showcasing their skills in maneuvering and cutting the strings of opponent kites.
Makar Sankranti Celebrations in Andhra Pradesh (AP): Blending Tradition and Festivity
Andhra Pradesh celebrates Makar Sankranti with a blend of traditional rituals and contemporary festivities. The festival begins with Bhogi Mantalu, where people light bonfires with old and unwanted items, symbolizing the discarding of the old to make way for the new. Families come together to celebrate and share the warmth of the fire.
Gobbemma Festival: In some parts of Andhra Pradesh, particularly in the East Godavari district, a unique tradition called Gobbemma Festival is observed. Women create Gobbemma, a small idol of a cow dung mound adorned with turmeric and vermilion, symbolizing the sacredness of the cow.
Sesame Seeds and Jaggery Delicacies: Til (sesame seeds) and jaggery-based sweets like Til Laddu and Chikki are prepared and distributed among friends and family. These sweets hold cultural significance and are believed to provide warmth to the body during the winter season.
Gangireddu Pooja: Just like in Telangana, the Gangireddu (decorated bull) is an integral part of the celebrations in Andhra Pradesh. Devotees offer prayers and seek blessings from the Gangireddu, which is considered a symbol of Lord Shiva.
Makar Sankranti in Bengal: Poush Sankranti and Cultural Splendor
West Bengal celebrates Makar Sankranti as "Poush Sankranti" or "Makar Sankranti" with a distinct cultural flair. The Ganga Sagar Mela is a significant event during this time, where thousands of devotees gather at Sagar Island to take a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganges and the Bay of Bengal. This act is believed to cleanse one of sins and bring salvation.
Pithe-Puli Utsav: Makar Sankranti in Bengal is incomplete without the preparation and sharing of traditional sweets known as Pithe and Puli. These delicacies, made with rice flour, jaggery, and coconut, are a culinary delight enjoyed by families during the festival.
Tusu Parab: In some parts of rural Bengal, particularly among the tribal communities, Tusu Parab is celebrated during Makar Sankranti. It involves singing traditional songs and performing dances around a Tusu tree, symbolizing the harvest season.
Akhanda Diya: Lighting an Akhanda Diya (continuous lamp) is a common tradition during Makar Sankranti in Bengal. It represents the eternal flame of knowledge and wisdom, signifying the triumph of light over darkness.
Makar Sankranti in Bihar: Khichdi Parv and Kite Flying
Bihar celebrates Makar Sankranti with a unique blend of religious fervor and social warmth. The festival is known as "Khichdi Parv" or "Tila Sankranti." Devotees prepare Khichdi, a dish made from rice and lentils, and offer it to the Sun God as a symbol of gratitude. It is believed that by doing so, one attains prosperity, health, and happiness.
Kite Flying Competitions: Kite flying is a popular activity during Makar Sankranti in Bihar as well. The sky is dotted with colorful kites, and friendly competitions ensue. The vibrant kites soaring high symbolize breaking free from the constraints of the past.
Dahi-Chura: People consume a special dish called Dahi-Chura, made with flattened rice and yogurt, on Makar Sankranti. This dish is believed to have medicinal properties and is eaten to ward off winter ailments.
Maghi Mela: In some parts of Bihar, especially in Gaya, the Maghi Mela is organized during Makar Sankranti. Pilgrims take a dip in the holy river, offer prayers, and participate in various cultural and religious events.
Makar Sankranti in Gujarat: Uttarayan, Kite Festival, and Culinary Delights
Gujarat, known for its vibrant culture and zest for celebrations, marks Makar Sankranti as the festival of Uttarayan. The International Kite Festival is a highlight during this time, attracting kite enthusiasts from around the world. The sky becomes a canvas of colorful kites of various shapes and sizes, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
Undhiyu and Jalebi: The festival is incomplete without savoring traditional Gujarati dishes like Undhiyu, a mixed vegetable curry, and Jalebi, a sweet delicacy. Families come together to prepare and enjoy these special treats during the festive season.
Kite Making Workshops: In the run-up to Makar Sankranti, kite-making workshops are organized across Gujarat. These workshops not only preserve the traditional art of kite making but also provide a platform for creativity and innovation in designing kites.
Night Kite Flying: The celebration continues into the night with illuminated kites and sky lanterns. The night sky is adorned with glowing kites, adding a magical touch to the festivities.
Conclusion: Celebrating Unity in Diversity
Makar Sankranti, a festival of harvest and transition, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and diverse traditions across India. From the colorful kites soaring high in Gujarat to the sacred dips in the Ganges in Bengal, each state adds its unique flavor to the festival. Makar Sankranti is not only a celestial transition but also a cultural bridge, connecting people from different regions through shared joy and celebration. As the kites dance in the sky, so do the hearts of millions, celebrating the spirit of Makar Sankranti with unparalleled enthusiasm and warmth.