According
to Marathi calendar 2018 Makar Sankranti refers both to a specific solar
day in the Hindu calendar and a Hindu festival in reverence to deity Surya
(sun) that is observed in January every year. Makar Sankranti is one of the few
ancient Hindu festivals that has been observed according to solar cycles, while
most festivals are set by the lunar cycle of the lunisolar. Makar Sankranti is observed with social
festivities such as colorful decorations, rural children going house to house,
singing and asking for treats (or pocket money), melas (fair), dances, kite flying, bonfires,
and feast.
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Fig.1.
Makar Sankranti
On the
day of Makar Sankranti festival, the duration of the day and that of the night
is equal making it one of the oldest solstice festivals. The festival
officially marks the onset of spring or Indian summer. Post this day, the Sun
stays in for a little longer as compared to the previous days making days
longer than nights.
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SIGNIFICANCE
1) Religious
and Cultural perspective
The
festival of Makar Sankranti has immense religious and cultural significance. In
consonance with the Puranas, it is believed that Lord Surya pays the visit to
his son, Lord Shani who is the lord of Makar sign, on this day. This festival
signifies a healthy bond that is shared between a father and a son.
Also, as
per popular beliefs, Makar Sankranti is celebrated to be conscious of the
triumph of Lord Vishnu over Asuras. This legend goes on to tell how Lord Vishnu
ended the distress caused by Asuras on Prithvi Lok by cutting their heads off
and burying them under the Mandara Parvat. Hence, signifying the victory of
righteousness over impiety.
2) The
harvest festival
Makar
Sankranti is celebrated to acknowledge the fresh harvest of the season and all
those who worked hard for a fruitful harvest. ‘Mattu Pongal’ is celebrated on
the following day of Makar Sankranti to acknowledge the hard work and labor
that the farm animals have put in for a successful harvest. Farm animals are of
utmost importance for a healthy and bountiful produce. Hence, it is of immense
importance to respect and celebrate their efforts and backbreaking work. In
far-flung villages, animals are also considered to be a part of the meeting
when the next harvest and crop sowing is planned. This festival is a
celebration of the bond that we share with other species and the mutually
cooperative ecosystem that we live in.
3) The
Cosmic Connect
Makar
Sankranti has a divine nuance to it as well. This period of time is considered
to be of ultimate importance for sages and yogis for fresh beginnings in their
spiritual odyssey. In general, people consider making fresh beginnings and
letting go of any horrid memories and associations of the past. Many aspects of
a Yogi’s life are based on the divine bond between the human system and the
cosmic system. A Yogi’s life evolves keeping into consideration, all the
movements in the universe and in a human’s life; ranging from the movement of
the planets to the life cycle of a human being.
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about significance of Makar Sankranti by downloading our Marathi Calendar2018 PDF.
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