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“May the Sun of Makar Sankranti inspire us towards a better life for more happiness and cheers.”

Warm wishes on Makar Sankranti!

Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival celebrated throughout India. The common idea behind the celebration is to spread love, happiness and prosperity. It falls on January 14th annually and on January 15th on leap years. This occasion marks the transition of the sun from the zodiac of Sagittarius to Capricorn. The festival is dedicated to the solar deity, Surya, and is observed to mark a new beginning. Many native multi-day festivals are organised on this occasion all over India. Traditionally, it’s a time for farmers to rejoice at the end of harsh winters and look forward to a bountiful harvest. The festival celebrates new beginnings and positivity.

The festival is called by different names in different states – Makara Sankranti in Kerala, Magh Bihu in Assam, Pongal in Tamil Nadu and Makar Sankranti in Odisha, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, West Bengal. On Makar Sankranti the Sun god is worshipped along with Vishnu and goddess Lakshmi.

The four-day festival begins with Bhogi, followed by Sankranti, Kanuma and ended with Mukkanuma. A bonfire is the main ritual of Bhogi. Sankranti, the main day of the festival is dedicated to the Hindu god – Surya Kanuma is associated with the legend of lifting Govardhan Giri by Lord Krishna. The fourth day Mukkanuma is celebrated to worship cattle.

The festival is observed with social festivities such as colourful decorations, rural children going house to house, singing and asking for treats, melas (fairs), dances, kite flying, bonfires and feasts. Many observers go to sacred rivers or lakes and bathe in a ceremony of thanks to the sun. Among other delicacies, sweets are made from sesame (til) and jaggery. This type of sweet is symbolic of being together in peace and joyfulness. Once every 12 years, Kumbh Mela is organised to celebrate this grand festival. One of the vital parts of Makar Sankranti is doing charity. Donating wheat, rise, and sweets to the people in need is a part of the festival. Festivals hold great importance especially for children. They learn the traditions of the country apart from socializing and having fun. BRS Global school, Bidaraguppe celebrated this auspicious festival on January 16th, in a sacred manner. The Principal, Mrs. Shailaja V.K madam performed pooja. Prasadam was distributed to all at the end of the pooja.

Let the vibrancy and colour of this festive season brighten up your life!