Makar Sankranti, one of the most significant festivals in India, is being celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm in Odisha today. This auspicious occasion marks the transition of the Sun into the northern hemisphere, signifying longer days and the onset of the harvest season. Both a religious celebration and a seasonal observance, Makar Sankranti holds immense cultural and scientific importance.
Makar Sankranti is a pan-Indian festival celebrated under various names. While it is called Makar Sankranti in western India, it is known as Pongal in the south, Lohri in the north, and Uttarayan, Maghi, or Khichdi in other regions. Despite regional variations, the essence of the festival remains the same—a celebration of harvest, gratitude, and new beginnings.
In Odisha, the festival is marked by numerous rituals and activities that reflect the state’s rich cultural heritage. A unique feature of Makar Sankranti in Odisha is the preparation of Makar Chaula, a traditional prasad made from uncooked, newly harvested rice. Other ingredients include banana, coconut, jaggery, sesame seeds, rasagola, khai/liaa, and chhena puddings. These offerings are prepared in temples and homes and are presented as naivedya to deities.
Devotees take ritualistic dips in rivers and visit temples to offer prayers to the Sun God and other deities. The Jagannath Temple in Puri witnesses a grand celebration with the Makar Niti ritual. The deities are adorned in the Makar Vesha (special festive attire), and garlands made of flowers and basil leaves are provided by the Bada Odia Matha. Thousands of devotees gather at the temple for the darshan of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra and to partake in Makar Chaula.
Kite flying is an integral part of the celebration. People of all ages participate in this activity, enjoying the outdoors and adding a splash of color to the skies. Children and adults alike revel in the joy of flying kites, making it a day of communal bonding and recreation.
Makar Sankranti also has a scientific aspect. During winter, various infections, such as colds and skin dryness, are common. Exposure to the Sun during this festival is believed to help alleviate such ailments, as sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D. Flying kites, a traditional activity on this day, not only serves as a recreational activity but also helps in strengthening arm muscles and promoting physical well-being. Interestingly, people face away from the Sun while flying kites, indirectly benefiting from its rays.
The festival begins with Bhogi, the first day dedicated to lighting bonfires. The second day, Makar Sankranti, is devoted to honoring the Sun God as he transitions into the Makar Rashi (Capricorn). The atmosphere is vibrant with rituals, music, and community gatherings. The streets and homes are filled with the aroma of traditional sweets and dishes, while the skies are dotted with colorful kites.
Makar Sankranti, one of the most significant festivals in India, is being celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm in Odisha today. This auspicious occasion marks the transition of the Sun into the northern hemisphere, signifying longer days and the onset of the harvest season. Both a religious celebration and a seasonal observance, Makar Sankranti holds immense cultural and scientific importance.
Makar Sankranti is a pan-Indian festival celebrated under various names. While it is called Makar Sankranti in western India, it is known as Pongal in the south, Lohri in the north, and Uttarayan, Maghi, or Khichdi in other regions. Despite regional variations, the essence of the festival remains the same—a celebration of harvest, gratitude, and new beginnings.
In Odisha, the festival is marked by numerous rituals and activities that reflect the state’s rich cultural heritage. A unique feature of Makar Sankranti in Odisha is the preparation of Makar Chaula, a traditional prasad made from uncooked, newly harvested rice. Other ingredients include banana, coconut, jaggery, sesame seeds, rasagola, khai/liaa, and chhena puddings. These offerings are prepared in temples and homes and are presented as naivedya to deities.
Devotees take ritualistic dips in rivers and visit temples to offer prayers to the Sun God and other deities. The Jagannath Temple in Puri witnesses a grand celebration with the Makar Niti ritual. The deities are adorned in the Makar Vesha (special festive attire), and garlands made of flowers and basil leaves are provided by the Bada Odia Matha. Thousands of devotees gather at the temple for the darshan of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra and to partake in Makar Chaula.
Kite flying is an integral part of the celebration. People of all ages participate in this activity, enjoying the outdoors and adding a splash of color to the skies. Children and adults alike revel in the joy of flying kites, making it a day of communal bonding and recreation.
Makar Sankranti also has a scientific aspect. During winter, various infections, such as colds and skin dryness, are common. Exposure to the Sun during this festival is believed to help alleviate such ailments, as sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D. Flying kites, a traditional activity on this day, not only serves as a recreational activity but also helps in strengthening arm muscles and promoting physical well-being. Interestingly, people face away from the Sun while flying kites, indirectly benefiting from its rays.
The festival begins with Bhogi, the first day dedicated to lighting bonfires. The second day, Makar Sankranti, is devoted to honoring the Sun God as he transitions into the Makar Rashi (Capricorn). The atmosphere is vibrant with rituals, music, and community gatherings. The streets and homes are filled with the aroma of traditional sweets and dishes, while the skies are dotted with colorful kites.
