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Makar Sankranti is an astronomical transition event of Sun entering in Capricorn sign.
The common belief of start of Uttarayanam (Summer solstice) on Makara Sankranti is not accurate.
Due to continuous astronomical shifts now Uttarayanam (Summer solstice) happens in December and Makara Sankranti falls in mid of January.
Sankranti marks the end of harvest season and is also a indian traditional festival with deep connection roots with nature , agriculture , human relations.
In Indian subcontinent and South East Asian countries , Sankranti festivities last for two to four days of which each day is celebrated with distinct names and rituals by Hindus , Sikhs, Buddists.
Let us look at the similar aspects of Sankranti celebrations representing diversity and unity across India.
Lohri / Bhelaghar / Bhogi Bonafire of North, East , South Regions of India
A bonafire lit with logs of wood or other solid-fuels, and wooden furniture at home that are no longer useful.
It is held before Sankranti celebrated at sunrise or sunset timings, songs , dances , food items based on regional customs.
Fun games
Children, youth play Trick or treat games in Punjab and Assam regions visiting neighbours houses in villages.
In Andhra on Bhogi evening Bhogipallu (Indian Jujube) , mixed with coins ,flowers , treats are poured over children and other children collect them.
Bommala Koluvu (Telugu) means Court of Toys , is a dolls arrangement in levels used to present the mythological , daily life scenes.
Flying Kites
Sankranti Winter winds are right time to fly kites.Across India at many places kite festival events and competitions are held.The sky shines with flying colourful kites.
Maghi / Bhogali Bihu / Uttarayan / Thai Pongal / Makar Sankranti or simply Sankranti
Sankranti is second and main day of the four-day festival.In many areas melas or fairs are held . Rituals remembering ancestors , and holy dips are done.
Donations
During Sankranti donations are given.Haridasu and Gangireddulata are observed in some parts of South India.
Haridasu : Carrying Akshaya Patra (bowl) on head and sings on Lord Hari(Vishnu) and visit house to house and accepts donations from people.
Gangireddulata : A decorated bull with persons playing musical instruments demonstrate feats and accept donations from people.
Floor Art
If we look on ground front yards streets turns colourful with multiple designs, pattern, dot style floor arts.
In Some parts of South India, lump of cow dung placed on the floor art worshipped as Gobbemma (goddess Gowri) along with a dance, songs by young girls.
Food traditions
Food items are made of sesame seeds, black gram, rice , jaggery , coconut , fruits , diary products.Communal or family feast are done.
On bhogali Bihu in few villages in Assam communal fishing is done.Fish and other meat are in feast.
Pongal , Ariselu from South ; Pitha , Rosogolla from East ; Til Gud Laddu , Khichidi in North and West India are some popular dishes of festive season.
Food items prepared during Indian festivals are generally based on keeping in mind the season and made to stay healthy with their consumption.
Animal Sports
On Bhogali Bihu / Magh Bihu buffalo , rooster fights are held in some parts of Assam , East India
Rooster fight betting/ Sheep / Pig fights / Bullock cart races happen in some parts of South India.
Jallikattu ( controlling bull ) is a game held on Mattu Pongal / Kanuma in some parts of Tamil Nadu , Andhra Pradesh.There are legal restrictions on these activities.
Mattu Pongal / Kanuma
The third day of the four-day festival, it is dedicated to the livestock for their role in farming in South India.The cattle are decorated, especially cows,ox are offered bananas, a special meal.
Prabha
In Andhra Pradesh Konaseema Region Many villages make Communal procession Prabha(chariot like structures) carrying lord shiva and gather at Jaggana thota.
Kaanum Pongal / Mukkanuma
Kaanum Pongal : In Tamil Nadu Family gatherings and reunions , match making happens.
Mukkanuma: In Andhra Pradesh non vegetarian feast is a tradition in some communities.
Bommalakoluvu which was set up on Bhogi is lifted on Mukkanuma.
Sankranti Purusha is said goodbye by drawing chariot and rope pulled to end of the streets in form of floor art.
Share with us more details of Sankranti in comments.
Visual background from Wikipedia. Information presented in video collected from Wikipedia and MANAM Team.
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