Sankranth

Sankranth

Makar sankrath is usually associated with emphasizing the sankranti that means transition of the zodiac signs. Among the twelve such transitions the makar sankrath is most significant. In Maharashtra, the sankrath festival is characterized with making of the til gud or the til sweet balls which is a typical delicacy. Gul papad or roti is also another sweetened preparation. The Marathi ladies usually dress in black saris with green bangles and invite ladies over for the haldi kum kum festival.

Pongal is celebrated in the south of India. Two kinds of rice preparation is typical of the pongal rice during Sankranth festival. The mattu pongal or festival of adorning cows and saying prayers is also done during this time. The South Indians prepare the jaggery rice and the rice-lentil in the salt variety during this day. Prayers and aarti is done for the cow which is considered Annapoorna associated with well being and prosperity.

The Maagh Bihu festival of Assam is typically observed in January. The Bihu dance in traditional attire is significant about the Assamese. This is the harvest rejoicing time in Assam during the Sankranth. The Sankranth is also known to be celebrated in Thailand and Myamnar apart from India.

Lohri is when the traditional wood fire is lit and Punjabis gather around with their drum-dholak and dance to enjoy the lohri festival. The giddha is performed while the fire is lit and traditional Punjabi songs are sung to enjoy the celebration. The revdi which is another white form of sweet til in oval shape is also another characteristic of the Sankranth festival.

The holy light of Makar Sankranth witnessed over the hills of Sabarimala in Kerala is a great religious belief in Kerala. Devotees clad in black perform severe austerities to please Lord Ayyappa and visit the abode in Sabarimala. The makara jyoti or divine light is the vision of God and remarkably witnessed by all there.