Sankranti

What Is Sankranti?

Sankranti is a prominent harvest festival observed across India, signifying the Sun’s transit into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn). This astronomical event marks the end of the winter solstice period and the beginning of Uttarayan, a six-month period of the Sun’s northward journey, traditionally considered auspicious. It is a time for thanksgiving, celebrating bountiful harvests, and community gatherings.

The observance is known by various names across different regions of India, including Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Lohri, Uttarayan, and Magh Bihu. Despite the diversity in nomenclature and specific customs, the underlying theme of honouring the Sun god, celebrating agriculture, and fostering community spirit remains consistent throughout the country.

History and Origins of Sankranti

The origins of Sankranti can be traced back to ancient Vedic traditions, which held significant reverence for the Sun as a source of life and energy. The term Sankranti itself refers to the ‘movement’ or ‘transition’ of the Sun from one zodiac sign to another. There are twelve such Sankrantis in a year, but the Makara Sankranti, marking the Sun’s entry into Capricorn, holds particular cultural and agricultural importance.

Historically, this period coincided with the actual winter solstice thousands of years ago. Although the astronomical winter solstice now falls around December 21st, the cultural observance of Makara Sankranti around January 14th has been maintained, reflecting the fixed date in the Hindu solar calendar. The festival evolved to incorporate harvest-related practices as agrarian societies developed, intertwining cosmic observations with earthly sustenance. It symbolises a period of rejuvenation, longer days, and the commencement of new beginnings after the colder months.

How Sankranti Is Celebrated

Sankranti is celebrated with immense fervour, and its traditions vary significantly from one region of India to another, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the country. Despite these differences, common threads include family gatherings, preparing special dishes, performing rituals, and engaging in festive activities.

North India (Lohri, Maghi)

In Punjab and parts of Haryana, the festival is known as Lohri, celebrated on the eve of Makar Sankranti. It involves lighting bonfires, singing traditional folk songs, and dancing around the fire, offering popcorn, peanuts, and rewari (sesame and jaggery sweets). In Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, the day after Lohri is celebrated as Maghi or simply Makar Sankranti, with khichdi (a lentil and rice dish) being a popular food. People often take holy dips in rivers and offer prayers.

West India (Uttarayan)

In Gujarat and Rajasthan, Sankranti is renowned as Uttarayan, famous for its vibrant kite-flying festivals. Skies are filled with colourful kites as people compete in friendly contests. Traditional foods like undhiyu (a mixed vegetable dish) and chikki (brittle made from nuts and jaggery) are widely consumed. In Maharashtra and parts of Madhya Pradesh, the festival is celebrated by exchanging til-gul (sweets made of sesame and jaggery) with the greeting “Til gul ghya ani goad goad bola,” meaning “Eat sesame and jaggery, and speak sweet words.”

East India (Poush Sankranti, Magh Bihu)

In West Bengal, it is known as Poush Sankranti, typically celebrated with pitha (rice cakes and sweets), patishapta, and payesh (rice pudding). People often take holy dips in the Ganga River. In Assam, the festival is called Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu, characterised by community feasts (bhog), bonfires (meji), and traditional games. People construct temporary huts made of bamboo and thatch, which are set alight the next morning.

South India (Pongal, Sankranti)

In Tamil Nadu, the festival is observed as Pongal over four days. The main day, Surya Pongal, involves preparing pongal (a sweet rice dish cooked with jaggery and milk) and offering it to the Sun god. Other days include Bhogi Pongal (discarding old items) and Mattu Pongal (honouring cattle). In Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, it is simply called Sankranti. Houses are decorated with rangoli ( intricate floor patterns), and families visit each other. New clothes are worn, and bhogi pallu (a shower of berries, flowers, and coins) is performed for children.

When Is Sankranti?

Sankranti is unique among many Indian festivals in that it largely follows a fixed date in the Gregorian calendar, typically falling on 14th January every year. Occasionally, due to the Earth’s orbit and the precession of the equinoxes, it may occur on 15th January. This fixed date contrasts with most other Hindu festivals, which are calculated based on lunar cycles and therefore vary each year.

The festival’s timing is determined by the Sun’s precise astrological entry into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn). This celestial event signifies the beginning of Uttarayan, when the Sun starts its northward journey. The cultural significance of this timing is deeply embedded in the traditional Indian calendar system, marking a period of transition from colder, shorter days to warmer, longer ones.

Sankranti Key Facts