To a Bengali lad like me, “Sankranti” was nothing but a day to eat Pithe-Puli, Patisapta and all. Like any other eventful day in the calendar, Poush Sankranti was marked for these sweet dishes in all homes across West Bengal. Only when I grew up, did I find that this is not a local festival in Bengal; rather some states celebrate this same as we do during Durga Puja.
Here is my version of Makar Sankranti while touring almost all Indian states during this time:
Marking the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara), this occasion signifies the end of winter and the beginning of longer, warmer days. This celestial event holds immense importance, not only astrologically but also agriculturally and culturally, across the diverse states of India.
History and Significance:
The word “Sankranti” is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “transition.” It is believed to have Vedic origins, rooted in ancient Indian practices of observing celestial changes. This festival is deeply intertwined with agricultural cycles and symbolizes the harvest season’s culmination, offering gratitude to nature and the Sun God for a bountiful harvest.
The Mythology Touch:
In Hindu mythology, Sankranti is also associated with the triumph of good over evil. The festival marks the victory of Lord Surya (Sun God) over darkness and symbolizes knowledge and enlightenment. Some says, Sankranti is celebrated to honor Surya’s visit to his son Shani (Saturn), highlighting the importance of familial bonds and reconciliation.
Celebration Across India:
India’s cultural diversity is vividly reflected in the unique ways Sankranti is observed across states. Each region adds its distinctive flavor to the festival, making it a truly pan-Indian celebration. While touring these places, I consciously tried to capture that essence which you may smell while reading this.
Let’s start with Andhra Padesh & Telangana from where I’m writing this:
In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Sankranthi (Yes, Sankranthi with an additional ‘H’) is a three-day festival:
- Bhogi: The first day involves discarding old items and lighting bonfires symbolizing new beginnings. Houses are cleaned and decorated with fresh rangoli patterns, often enhanced with colorful flowers and cow dung.
- Sankranthi: The main day sees colorful rangoli (muggulu), traditional dishes like ariselu and pongal, and kite-flying competitions. Families come together to worship and exchange sweets. Special prayers are offered to the Sun God for prosperity.
- Kanuma: On the third day, cattle are honored and decorated as they are vital for agriculture. Farmers often organize processions and display their well-adorned cattle.
Although I’ve seen people observing one additional day beyond the third one and school/colleges remain closed for nearly 5-7 days as this happens to be one of the biggest festival for the local people. Driving in Hyderabad roads in this time is a pleasant experience as most people go to their hometown in Andhra/Karnataka and roads remain clear to speed up.
Talking about Karnataka, where my association was with Bengaluru city mostly, they have a unique way of celebrating Sankranti.
There people exchange ellu-bella (a mix of sesame seeds, jaggery, and coconut), symbolizing the sharing of warmth and sweetness. Traditional dishes like sakkare acchu and pongal are prepared. Farmers organize community fairs, and women showcase their creativity with colorful rangoli designs.
Going to neighbor state Tamil Nadu, it’s called Pongal, a four-day harvest festival:
- Bhogi Pongal: Similar to Bhogi, old items are burnt to signify letting go of the past.
- Surya Pongal: A special dish called Pongal, made of rice, milk, and jaggery, is cooked and offered to the Sun God. This day emphasizes gratitude towards natural resources.
- Mattu Pongal: Cattle are adorned with garlands and worshipped. Bulls are sometimes involved in traditional sporting events like Jallikattu.
- Kaanum Pongal: A day for family gatherings and outings, where people visit relatives and exchange gifts.
Let’s move to Western Ghats where Maharashtra has a unique way of celebrating Makar Sankranti. Married women are invited for haldi-kumkum, and people exchange tilgul (sesame and jaggery sweets) with the phrase “Tilgul ghya, god god bola” (“Take tilgul, and speak sweetly”). Flying colorful kites fills the skies with joy. Families prepare special dishes like puran poli and offer prayers to the Sun God.
In Gujarat, Sankranti is synonymous with Uttarayan, a grand kite-flying festival. The International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad attracts enthusiasts worldwide. Traditional dishes like undhiyu, jalebi, and chikki are savored. Rooftop celebrations with music and food create a vibrant atmosphere.
You must have heard of Lohri celebration in Punjab on the eve of Sankranti.
Bonfires are lit, and people gather around to sing, dance, and offer sesame seeds, jaggery, and peanuts to the fire. It marks the end of the winter solstice and the harvesting of sugarcane. Traditional Punjabi folk songs and dances like Bhangra and Gidda add a festive charm.
Need to close this journey else it might be boring for a few people. Before concluding with my mother state, West Bengal, let’s eye on another beautiful state – Assam.
In Assam, Sankranti is celebrated as Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu. Community feasts, buffalo fights, and traditional games are highlights. Rice cakes (pitha) and other delicacies are prepared using freshly harvested rice. People build temporary huts called “meji” to enjoy meals and later burn them as part of the celebrations.
Last but not the least, my own Sonar Bangla who always remains special in my heart.
In West Bengal, the festival is known as Poush Sankranti. Special sweets like patishapta, pithas, and sandesh are made. Devotees take holy dips in the Ganga and gather at the famous Ganga Sagar Mela. Cultural performances and fairs are organized, showcasing the region’s rich heritage.
My travel is complete whatever I visited personally. Of course there happens to be other states where Sankranti must be celebrated in their own style, but somehow I was not fortunate to witness those in my own eyes.
Specialties:
Before closing, I was saying the other day to one of my friends about the specialties of Sankranti that people used to enjoy in their own style. Let me summarize those in a nutshell.
- Kite Flying: From Gujarat to Telangana, colorful kites fill the skies during Sankranti, symbolizing freedom and joy. Competitive kite flying often becomes a highlight of the festival.
- Traditional Foods: Dishes vary across regions but often include sesame-based sweets, rice preparations, and jaggery delicacies. These not only taste delicious but also have health benefits, especially in winter.
- Rangoli: Intricate designs adorn doorsteps, often accompanied by floral decorations. These symbolize prosperity and invite positivity into homes.
- Cattle Worship: In many states, cattle are decorated and honored, reflecting their importance in agrarian life. They are fed special meals as a mark of gratitude.
- Fairs and Community Events: Many regions host fairs and community gatherings, offering a platform to celebrate togetherness and showcase local traditions.
Parting Notes:
Sankranti is more than just a harvest festival; it is a celebration of life, unity, and gratitude. The festival bridges communities, transcending linguistic and cultural boundaries, bringing people together in the spirit of harmony. As families gather to share meals, fly kites, and perform rituals, Sankranti reinforces the timeless bond between humanity, nature, and the cosmos. This festival reminds me of the importance of respecting our traditions while embracing the warmth of togetherness. Truly an event that every state in India celebrates in different style.