Makar Sakranti is India’s harvest festival which is celebrated all across the country with different names and customs.
With its unique names, elaborate customs and diverse food preparations, it is a great way to tell our kids about how diverse the culture of our country is.
So we have put together some popular names, customs and dishes from this festival to share with you all. If there is something we have missed out, please drop it in comments as we would love to know more about it!
One Festival, different names.
The festival is known by different names all over India and in Nepal as well.
1. West Bengal – Poush Parbon
2. Gujarat – Uttarayan
3. Punjab – Maghe
4. Maharashtra – Makar Sankranti
5. North India – Sakraat /Khichdi
6. Himachal – Magha Saaji
7. Karnataka – Suggi
8. Uttarakhand – Ghughuti
9. Tamil Nadu – Pongal
10. Assam -Maagh Bihu
11. Andhra Pradesh – Sankranti
12. Orissa – Makar Chawal
13. Tamil Nadu – Ven Pongal
It is a major harvest festival marking the onset of spring season in India.
On Makar Sankranti , the Sun God is worshipped across the country along with Lord Vishnu and Goddess Mahalaxmi.
It ends the inauspicious tine which starts in mid December (Khalmaas) and falls on the same day each year.
Rituals & Sweets.
- On this occasion, people in Maharashtra share halwa /sweet greeting each other by saying ‘tilgul ghya – goad goad bola’ (Meaning – let’s forget the past ill-feelings and grudges, resolve differences and remain friends)
- Jaggery sweets are prepared, exchanged and offered as ‘prasadam’ or ‘naivedyam’ to the deity.
- People of all ages come out to fly kites and competitions are held as well for the same.
- In Punjab, people celebrate Lohri a day before Makar Sankranti. They light a bonfire the night before Makar Sankranti and dance around it.
- As per tradition, consumption of sesame seeds on this auspicious day is considered beneficial.
Different states have their own signature sweet dishes on occasion of Makar Sankranti. We have tried to cover a few of them here.
1. Bengal – Patishapta Pitha/Payesh
2. Assam – Til Pitha
3. Maharashtra – Puran Poli
4. Punjab – Gur halwa / Phirni / Rewdi
5. North India – Til kut
6. Tamil Nadu – Sakkarai Pongal
7. Andhra Pradesh – Athirasam/Ariselu
8. Tamil Naadu – Sweet Potato Varuval/ Sakarai Pongal
9. Gujrat – Chikki
10. Rajasthan – Ghewar, Tilkut, Finni
Mantras to chant on Makar Sankranti
- GAYATRI MANTRA
“Om Bhoor Bhuwah swaha, Tat Savitur Varenyam, Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi, Dhiyo Yo Naha Prachodayat.”
- SURYA GAYATRI MANTRA
“Bhaskaraye Vidmahe Divakraraye Dheemahi Tanno Suryah Prachodayat om om om
Fun Activities to celebrate with kids
• Prepare easy no-cook jaggery sesame recipes.
• Go shopping while the market is full of kites, pooja requirements, delicacies and sweets.
• Snack on tasty delicacies of the season.
• DIY a family kite.
• Spend the afternoon flying kites or watching kite fights.
• Celebrate lohri with a bonfire.
Hope this blog helps you and your kids celebrate Makar Sankranti to fullest and in a more meaningful manner! Tell me your favourite part of this festival is comments.
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