Makar Sankranti, also known as Sankranthi or Maghi, is a popular Hindu festival celebrated across various regions of India to mark the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara). While the festival is celebrated with different names and traditions in different parts of the country, Makar Sankranti holds a special place in the hearts of Maharashtrians in Maharashtra and other regions where Marathi culture is predominant. In Maharashtra, Makar Sankranti is not just a festival but a grand celebration that is rich in traditions, customs, and festivities.
History and Significance of Makar Sankranti in Marathi Culture
Makar Sankranti holds immense cultural and historical significance in Marathi culture. The festival marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days. It is considered an auspicious time for new beginnings, and many people take this opportunity to start new ventures, activities, or rituals.
The word “Sankranti” signifies the movement of the sun from one zodiac sign to another, and Makar Sankranti specifically marks the transition of the sun into the Capricorn zodiac sign. According to Hindu mythology, Makar Sankranti is also associated with the harvest season, as it signifies the end of the winter crop season and the beginning of the harvest season.
Customs and Traditions of Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra
Makar Sankranti is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor in Maharashtra. The festival is marked by various customs and traditions that are unique to the region. Some of the key customs and traditions observed during Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra include:
1. Tilgul Ghya, God Bola (Take Sesame seeds and Jaggery, and Speak Sweet Words)
Makar Sankranti is synonymous with the exchange of tilgul (sesame sweets) and uttering sweet words. People exchange tilgul with their loved ones and friends as a symbol of goodwill and harmony. The act of exchanging tilgul signifies the importance of sweetness and harmony in relationships.
2. Kite Flying
Kite flying is a popular tradition associated with Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra. People of all ages come together on rooftops and open spaces to fly kites and compete with each other. The sky is filled with colorful kites, adding to the festive spirit of the day.
3. Haldi-Kumkum Ceremony
Women in Maharashtra perform the Haldi-Kumkum ceremony on Makar Sankranti. They invite married women to their homes, offer haldi (turmeric) and kumkum (vermilion), and distribute small gifts as a token of goodwill. This ceremony is considered auspicious and is believed to strengthen the bond between married women.
4. Makar Sankranti Feast
A special feast is prepared on Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra, which includes dishes made from sesame seeds, jaggery, and seasonal produce. Puran Poli, Tilgul, Ukadiche Modak, and Kharvas are some of the traditional dishes that are prepared and shared with family and friends.
Makar Sankranti as a Harvest Festival
In Maharashtra, Makar Sankranti is observed as a harvest festival, marking the beginning of the harvest season for crops like sugarcane. Farmers celebrate the festival by expressing gratitude to the land and nature for a bountiful harvest. It is a time for joy and thanksgiving, as the hard work put into farming pays off with an abundance of crops.
Five Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Celebrating Makar Sankranti in Marathi Culture
1. What is the significance of flying kites on Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra?
Kite flying symbolizes the transition from winter to spring and the return of longer days. It is also believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year.
2. Why is tilgul exchanged on Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra?
Tilgul symbolizes the essence of the festival, which is to spread sweetness and harmony in relationships. The exchange of tilgul signifies the wish for good health, happiness, and prosperity.
3. How is Makar Sankranti celebrated in rural Maharashtra?
In rural Maharashtra, Makar Sankranti is celebrated with traditional agricultural rituals, prayers to the deities for a good harvest, and community feasts where everyone comes together to share the joy of the festival.
4. What are some traditional dishes prepared during Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra?
Popular dishes prepared during Makar Sankranti include Puran Poli (sweet flatbread), Tilgul (sesame seed and jaggery sweets), Ukadiche Modak (steamed rice flour dumplings), and Kharvas (sweetened colostrum pudding).
5. How does Makar Sankranti reflect the cultural ethos of Maharashtra?
Makar Sankranti reflects the ethos of Maharashtra through its emphasis on harmony, gratitude, and festive joy. The customs and traditions associated with the festival strengthen social bonds and bring communities together in celebration.
In conclusion, Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra is more than just a festival; it is a reflection of the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the region. The festival brings people together, strengthens relationships, and celebrates the abundance of nature and the spirit of community. Through customs like tilgul exchange, kite flying, and traditional feasts, Maharashtrians rejoice in the blessings of the harvest season and look forward to a year of prosperity and goodwill.
