Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday greeted people on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. This festival marks the beginning of the Sun’s ‘Uttarayan’ journey, which is considered auspicious in Hindu tradition.
PM Modi wished new energy and enthusiasm for everyone and also congratulated the people on the harvest festival Magh Bihu celebrated in Assam.
“We celebrate the abundance of nature, the joy of harvest and the spirit of togetherness. May this festival further enhance the spirit of happiness and togetherness,” he said on X.
Makar Sankranti holds a special significance for farmers as it signals the beginning of the harvesting season.
Makar Sankranti is celebrated with different names and ways in different parts of India. In Tamil Nadu it is celebrated as Pongal, a major festival of four days. During Pongal people prepare a special dish made of new rice, milk and jaggery and thank the Sun God. In Punjab, Lohri is celebrated a day before Makar Sankranti, in which people light bonfires and enjoy traditional dances and songs.
In Uttar Pradesh and Bihar it is called Khichdi festival. On this day, it is considered auspicious to take bath in river Ganga and donate sesame, rice and khichdi. In Maharashtra, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, tilgur and jaggery laddus are distributed, and the message of maintaining sweet relations is given by saying “Tilgur ghya, God God bola”.
Makar Sankranti also holds spiritual significance. This day is seen as the union of Lord Surya and his son Shani Dev. People earn virtue by taking bath in Ganga, Yamuna and other holy rivers on this day. Kite flying is a major attraction of this festival, especially in states like Gujarat and Rajasthan.
This festival not only holds religious and cultural significance, but it also inspires us to express our gratitude towards nature and promote mutual love and goodwill. Makar Sankranti is a unique example of Indian tradition, culture and spirituality.
