The harvest festival of Makar Sankranti is here, and we know what that means here in Delhi. Dilli ki sardi calls for a bonfire in every home with some popcorn and gajak making the rounds. We are surely grateful to Surya devta for some sun in this cold marking the end of the winter in the Hindu calendar. What about the other states? Every place in this country has its own traditions and ceremonies. Let’s see how Indians are celebrating this auspicious day on January 15, 2020.
1. Sankranti, Orissa
A holy dip in ponds, tanks and rivers kicks off the day for people here. Kites colour the skies of Bhubaneshwar and Pongal is celebrated by the Telugus of Orissa. Adivasis make 40% the population in Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh and Keonjhar districts who sing and dance and celebrate for a week. Laddoos and other desserts made of muri (rice crispies) bring sweetness to Makar Sankranti.
2. Lohri and Maghi, Punjab
This is where Lohri came to Delhi from. Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and some other parts of North India light up in the brilliance of blazing bonfires. Communities come together and occupy public space for eating, chilling and welcoming the season change. Gajak, rewri and peanuts are thrown into the fire as offerings before relishing by us mortals.
3. Makar Sankranti, Andhra Pradesh
These guys decided one say was just not enough. Makar Sankranti is a four-day affair in Andhra Pradesh from 14th to 17th January. It’s all about the aesthetics in this state. People dress themselves up along with their surroundings. Homes are decked in decorations, rangolis take over the ground Pongal (rice, milk and jaggery) is served. People worship their cattle for aiding them with produce all year long.
4. Sakraat, Uttar Pradesh
Magha Mela in Allahabad is set up at Prayag Triveni Sangam, the meeting point of three holy rivers, Ganga, Yamuna and Sarasvati. A dip in these waters reinstates the people’s belief followed by a massive celebration of community with entertainment, education and mass feedings. Kite-flying, til laddoo and gud laddoo are people’s choices on this day.
5. Uttarayan, Gujarat
The colours of Gujarat come alive with unique spectacles all over the state. A two-day celebration begins with kites and coloured manjhi. The second day or Vasi Uttarayan is when the food is in full bloom. The most iconic is undhiyu, a winter treat of seasonal vegetables and chikki is the main attraction. This chikki is made of sesame seeds, peanut and jaggery.
6. Makara Sankrant, Maharashtra
Goddess Sankranti’s triumph over demon Sankarasur is celebrated by women dressed in black. Women get together in black clothes and celebrate with Haldi-Kumkum or turmeric-vermillion. Clothes, utensils and gifts are exchanged by these women. The whole state is about exchanging good vibes. The people go around exchanging gifts of tilgud, halwa and puran poli for 3 days.
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7. Magha Saaji, Himachal Pradesh
The harvest is the main trophy here. Khichdi with Ghee & Chaas make a hot and cold combination of desi flavours. Baolis are sites for holy dips and showers in the springs is how the state up north likes to challenge the winter. With gods on their side, the winter better watch its back. People visit temples and offer charity to commemorate Makar Sankranti. If you’re planning your next trip, Forget Shimla And Avoid The Traffic! Discover Solan’s Beauty On Your Own Time In Himachal Pradesh!
8. Pongal, Tamil Nadu
Rice, jaggery and mud pots are the stars of the show in Tamil Nadu. Sakkarai Pongal is made with generational passing down of faith and tradition for everyone. Family and friends come together for food and sunshine. South India comes alive with Tamil Nadu’s unique and unusual Rangoli designs. Homes are cleaned, mango leaves are hung on doors and poojas for cattle are performed.
9. Bhogali Bihu or Magh Bihu, Assam
Fire is lit and feasting begins. Mother Earth is the focus. The people thank nature for food and crops. Shunga pitha, til pitha, laru or laskara are some of the traditional foods for the festival. Camp fires and traditional dance forms would amaze any spectator. Buffalo fighting and Tekeli Bhonga are in full swing. Assam Tourism Loses ₹400 Crores Following CAA And NRC!
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10. Makara Sankramana, Karnataka
Universal love and kindness is adorned for the harvest festival in Karnataka. This is an important day for farmers who honor the gods for the yield. Ellu-Bella is the day’s special dish made of jaggery, fried groundnut, dry coconut and white sesame mashed together. Haldi-Kumkum, bananas and sugarcane are shared among women. People take their cows on a celebratory march and also make them jump through fire.
Makar Sankranti is a wonderful Indian festivals with many adaptations across the country. These are all great ways of celebration. Each place has a special kind of food to steal the country’s hearts. The festival of harvest comes in all shapes and forms. People carry their traditions wherever they go and so we have parts of different festivities in just one area!
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