Makar Sankranti is one of the most significant festivals of the Hindu religion. It is celebrated on 14th or 15th January every year. It is an important festival celebrated in various parts of the country. It is an ideal illustration of solidarity in diversity. The Makar Sankranti festival is also known and referred to as the harvest festival because this is the time when harvesting is complete and there are big celebrations.
Makar means ‘Capricorn’ and Sankranti means ‘transition’, so ‘Makar Sankranti’ means the transition of the sun into the Capricorn of the zodiac, which is believed to be one of the most auspicious occasions as per Hinduism and is welcomed by the people with lots of celebration and festivities.
According to legends, it is believed that Sankranti — after whom the celebration is named — was a deity who vanquished an evil being called Sankarasur. The day following Makar Sankranti is called Karidin or Kinkrant. On this day, Devi killed the villain Kinkarasur. The details and significance of Makar Sankranti are available in the Panchang. The Panchang is the Hindu Almanac that provides information on the timing, structure, attire, movement, and significance of Sankranti.
The significance of the Makar Sankranti festival is that it marks the day when there is a significant movement in the zodiac – the arrangement of the earth’s orbit around the sun – and this movement brings about a new change in the way we experience the planet itself.
In Uttarakhand, Makar Sankranti is celebrated by flying kites in the sky, making ghughute, which are made of wheat flour and jaggery, and enjoying many more sweets. All enjoy this festival.
In conclusion, Makar Sankranti is a festival that celebrates the beauty of nature, the unity of diverse cultures, and the spirit of togetherness. It’s a festival of harvest, bringing joy to the hearts of farmers and people across India. The tradition of kite-flying adds a colorful and playful dimension to the celebration, filling the sky with laughter and excitement.
Student Author: Ayesha Rawat
Grade 9
