We have lot of festivals which people celebrate across the world.
Makara Sankranti is one of the beloved festivals in India. It is celebrated with distinct names and rituals in different states of India
When and Why it is celebrated?
This festival usually falls on 14 January or 15 January every year when the Sun God(Surya Bhagavan) begins to rise in Makara Rashi/Capricorn zodiac sign as per Hindu Solar Calendar.
It is celebrated prominently by farmers across India which also marks the last day of winter every year and beginning of harvest season.
On this auspicious day, people will decorate their homes with flowers and entrance with mango leaves and turmeric.
BHOGI
On this day people get up early in the morning before Sunrise, discard old furniture/ belongings and put bonfire (called as Bhogi manta). This means bad things should go away and good things should happen in their lives and starting a new phase of life.
After that, people generally do head bath with Indian Jujube fruits (called as Regipallu in Telugu) added in water. They decorate their home entrance/doors with Mango leaves, turmeric, rice flour. Special rangolis are drawn in front of their homes with colors, flowers and at the center of the Rangolis, they put cow dung balls called as Gobbemmalu with Turmeric and Kumkum (red vermion powder).
People believe that this means they are welcoming the God to their home. Different food offerings are made to God on this day during pooja and also in the evening, children under 6 years are showered with flower petals, Indian Jujube fruits (Bhogipallu) and coins believing that this ritual will give good life with abundance of joy, happiness and wealth to them and also get rid of evil eyes.
MAKARA SANKRANTI
This day is considered as most auspicious day for starting any kind of work. People do divine prayers to God with varieties of food offerings mainly Ariselu made with rice flour, sesame seeds and Jaggery.
Relatives gather on this day and celebrate the festival, fly kites with utmost joy and happiness. Kumbha Mela, the largest human gathering on earth will be witnessed on this day every 12 years. This day is marked as the first day of Uttarayana. Sweet Pongal is also a main dish on this day which is made of freshly harvested rice, Moong Dal and Jaggery especially by farmers. Bommala Koluvu/Golu would be displayed at homes with lots of artistic and attractive dolls by women.
KANUMA
This is the day which farmers dedicate to Cattle especially Cows and bulls. They will be decorated with flowers, garlands and given varieties of fruits and worshipped. Farmers believe that by doing this, their lives would be filled with good fortune. This is also known as Pasuvula Panduga.
Apart from this, Sankranthi/Pongal is celebrated with different customs and traditions which differ regionally. May this festival bring you more happiness and joy to you and your family. Thank you.