Happy Makar Sankranti 2017: Interesting facts you didn’t know about the festival of harvest

Before you indulge into the spirit of festivity of Makar Sankranti, let's look into some interesting facts about this auspicious festival.

By: Isha Mishra |
January 13, 2017 6:22 pm

With the transition of the sun to Makara or Capricorn, Makar Sankranti marks the beginning of the harvest season and Hindus are jubilated with happiness. Although the ways and modes of celebrations vary geographically, this one festival is celebrated all across India, unlike Holi or Diwali. Before we bask into the joy of this auspicious festivity, let’s take a look at some interesting facts about this festival:

Importance of Kites

We were so excited about flying kites on Makar Sankranti that we never paid any attention as to why we do it. This tradition of kite flying has been going on for years, but not many people know why! The custom of kite flying during early hours is good for our health, as it would expose us to the winter sun for a long time. According to belief, basking in sun during winters helps in cleansing body from infections and germs. How cool were our ancestors, no?

Multifarious names for one festival

Everybody in India celebrates Makar Sankranti. But, since India is known for its diversity and different cultures, this festival, too goes by different names. The south—especially Tamil Nadu—celebrates this day as Pongal. In the north—especially Punjab—it is known as Lohri, while the west celebrates it as Uttarayan. In east Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Bhogali Bihu.

Til-gul. why?

Heard of “Til gul khaya ani god god bola”? I’m sure, you must have. This translates to eating sesame and jaggery and speaking sweet words. But why? We’ll tell you. According to the legend, the Sun god was always at loggerheads with his son lord Shani. But on Makar Sankranti, the Sun god forgives his son and pays him a visit. Thus, this day is also remembered for burying the past hatchets and making sweet merry with everyone.

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Marks the beginning of Spring

Makar Sankranti marks the onset of spring. On this day, the day and night are equally long and post this festival, the night becomes shorter and the duration of days slowly increases.

Drawing parallels with Thanksgiving

Makar Sankranti draws parallel with the Thanksgiving festival, as both festivals mark the beginning of the harvest season and are celebrated to show our gratitude towards food and a noble excuse to spend a good time with family and friends—one that we’ve lost in the hustle and bustle of city life.