Makar-shankranti Sankranti means to go from one place to another place (to change
direction). It also means one meets another. The time when the sun
changes direction from one constellation (of the zodiac) to another is
known as Sankranti. Transition of the Sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn
during the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere (Uttarayana) is
known as Makar sankranti. Makar sankkranti is a festival with great
religious importance in india. It is celebrated in all parts of india
in different forms.
In southern India, this festival is celebrated as Pongal. In southern
it is celebrated as the harvesting time and a New Year. The day begins
with Surya Pongal or sun worship. The newly harvested corn is then
cooked for the first time. In fact, the sun itself stands for all the
ideals of the Pongal festival.
Its message is that of light, unity, equality and true selflessness. These are the ideals of Karma Yoga.
Hence, the sun is the greatest Karma Yogi. Does it ask any reward for
all that it gives to us? If it stops shedding its light, we are doomed
to death. If we learn this one lesson from the sun, our lives will
shine with divine lustre like that of the sun.
Devghat is a confluence of river Trishuli and river
Kaligandaki and is very significant religious Triveni. It is 6 Km
north of Narayanghat. Here all 7 holy Gandaki Rivers meet together
to form a Narayani River. Like Triveni of Ganges and Yamuna at
Alahabad in India Devghat is one of the main sites for the festival
of Makar Shankranti in Nepal. Many pilgrims from around Nepal and
India to immerse themselves in the river. Makar Shankrati is also
popularly known as Maghe Shankranti. It is first day of Nepali month
Magh (Mid January). In this place the demigods came to honor Lord
Vishnu when he saved Gajendra, an elephant from the attack of a
crocodile after hearing his prayers of devotion.
Kite Flying in western India, it is celebrated as a kite flying festival. People
wake up early in the morning, do pujas and rush towards their terraces
for flying kites. Also a rich variety of delicacies are prepared for
this festival.
In Northern india, it is celebrated as Lohri. Also At Sankranti time
great importance is attached to Ganga snaan (bathing with waters of the
river Ganges) and Surya Puja (worshipping the sun). Bathing,
worshipping gods, Havan, Japa, Fasting and Charity; each of these are
extremely holy deeds.
From Makar Sankranti onwards when the sun is travelling northwards,
innumerable auspicious things start happening. Climate and atmosphere
improve. Children born during this period are naturally progressive,
well mannered, pleasant and of noble disposition.
From Makar Sankranti onwards when the sun is travelling northwards,
innumerable auspicious things start happening. Climate and atmosphere
improve. Children born during this period are naturally progressive,
well mannered, pleasant and of noble disposition.
SUNSHINE AND JOY: Twirling, gliding, chasing the clouds. PHOTO: K.R. DEEPAK AND M.A. SRIRAM
If you were to ask a kite what it felt while it soared up in the skies, what do you think it would say? "I'm twirling and gliding on the whirl of winds, chasing the clouds, laughing down at the Earth, and before I float gently down, I will visit the lost balloons that made little children cry."
Looking up at kites flying, I wish I could be a kite, riding upon the wind and go whichever way the wind blew.
Celebration
Kites swaying to the choreography of the wind, vibrant colours dotting the azure blue, it's that time of the year again when your gaze heaven ward will see a kite-combat. Makar Sankranti on January 14, marks the ascendancy of the sun into the Northern Hemisphere. It signifies the receding of the winter chill. It turns you to face the sunshine and the liquid gold of a bountiful harvest. It marks an event where the gods seem to remind their children — "Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya" — may you go higher and higher — to more and more light and never to darkness.
Makar means Capricorn and Sankranti means transition — when the sun passes into the next Zodiac sign. Transition of the sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn, during the Winter Solstice begins a six-month long Uttarayana, considered auspicious for attaining higher goals in life. Each state has its own way of celebrating Makar Sankranti.
Jaipur sees people taking a holy dip in the Galta ji, partaking of jaggery, sesame and rice preparations. Surrounded by fun and laughter, the spirited camaraderie is akin to the kites vying for space in the skies. New beginnings are made; the festival helps in maintaining social relationships within the family and the community. Familiar cries of "woh kata re" rend the skies. Kite flying is an integral part of the tourism activities in Rajasthan. The festival has taken on a different dimension with the state government stepping in. Kites have turned modern — we can see Aishwarya Rai, Shahrukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchen on them. The Chinese have flown in here too.
It is believed that the ancient Indian tradition of kite flying was brought to India by Hiuen Tsang and Fa Hein when they came in the fourth and 7th Centuries A D. Maharaja Ram Singh of Jaipur had commissioned a kite making factory in the 16th Century to ensure continuity of the festival.
This is a day when all eyes look to the sky and there is much joy and cheer. And as the kite takes flight you can feel the wind tug it from your hands as it flies away to conquer the sky. Whether a patang, a guddi, a dedh kanni, a tukkal, kite flying day remains essentially a day of revelry. It makes sure that everyone has a good time and there are no regrets. A day you will always cherish in your memory.
Shri Mataji Nirmal Devi, Sankranti Puja, Rahuri, India 14/01/1987
