Makar Sakranti or Lohri or Pongal festival 2021
Since India is land of great biodiversity, different states celebrate a large number of harvest festivals. It is the time to reap the harvest and so is the time to celebrate. For India, mainly dependent on agriculture, harvest is the one of the most important event across the nation. Popularly known as Lohri, Makar Sakranti, Pongal and Maghi, the festivals celebrate cultivation across the India and also an important astronomical change going on in solar system.
It marks the first day of Sun's transition into Makara (Capricorn) Raashi (Zodiac sign) and it is observed in the month of January. This day, also known as Maghi, is a major Harvest festival and is dedicated to the Sun.
Makar Sakranti is incomplete without 'Til Gud' (sesame seeds and jaggery mixed together to make sweets). According to Hindu Mythology, the God Yama (God of Death) blessed the sesame seeds hence they are regarded as the symbol of immortality. If historians are to be believed that sesame seed originated when sweat drops trickled from God Vishnu and fell on the ground. It is suggested to consume sesame seeds during winter on a daily basis because it contains healthy fats, protein, B vitamins, fiber and antioxidants that helps to protect the body during adverse weather conditions.
A million bright colored Kites can be seen all over the sky from the moment the sun rises and till it sets on Makar Sakranti. According to some beliefs the tradition of Kite flying on Makar Sakranti is being carried out so that people are exposed to Sun rays.
Pongal or Thai Pongal is a major festival of South India and is celebrated annually in the month of January. The meaning of the Pongal is 'Boiling Over' and this festival is celebrated as a Thanksgiving ceremony for the year's harvest. It has been named after the tradition of boiling freshly harvested rice in a new clay pot along with milk and jaggery until it starts overflowing. This signifies auspicious begging, along with the gradual heating of Earth by Sun.
Pongal sweet is made by devotees to offer to the God Sun. Since it is a four day festival, each day has its own significance. The four days of Pongal festival are called Bhogi Pongal, Surya Pongal, Mattu Pongal and Kaanum pongal.
Bonfires, music and good food are major highlights of this festivity. Lohri is celebrated on a fixed date i.e. January 13 every year. This festival marks the end of winter solstice, harvesting of the rabi crops and remembrance of Sun God. A bonfire is lit and popcorns, peanuts, rewari and gajak are savored to all neighbour, friends and relatives over the Dhol beats. Lohri song mention the Sun God asking for heat and thanking him for his return. Some legend explain the celebration of folk reverence for fire or the goddess of Lohri.
The festival is seasonal observance as well as a religious celebration. You can not be a part of public gatherings during COVID-19, need to follow all the safety guidelines such as wearing mask, washing hands regularly, and maintaining social distancing.
Happy Lohri, Makar Sakranti, Pongal to all of You.
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