- 14 Jan, 2023
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Makar Sakranti in Himachal Pradesh
Makar Sankranti, also known as Maghi, is a festival celebrated across India, but in Himachal Pradesh, it holds a special significance. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring, and is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. The festival is celebrated with a variety of customs and traditions, including flying kites, making sweet delicacies, taking a dip in holy rivers, and offering prayers.
The festival is celebrated on January 14th every year, and it is believed that this is the day when the sun enters the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn). It is considered to be one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar, and is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm throughout the state.
One of the most popular traditions associated with Makar Sankranti is flying kites. People of all ages take part in kite flying, and the skies are filled with colorful kites of all shapes and sizes. The kites are flown to symbolize the end of winter and the beginning of spring, and to celebrate the arrival of the sun in the zodiac sign of Makara.
Another popular tradition associated with Makar Sankranti is the making of sweet delicacies. It is traditional to make sweets such as tilgul laddoo, rewadi, and til chikki, which are made from sesame seeds, jaggery, and peanuts. These sweets are then shared with friends and family, and are considered to be a symbol of love and friendship.
Taking a dip in holy rivers is another important tradition associated with Makar Sankranti. People take a dip in rivers such as the Ganges, Yamuna, Godavari, and the Kshipra to purify their souls and wash away their sins. This tradition is especially popular in the towns and cities of Himachal Pradesh, such as Mandi, Bilaspur, and Una.
In Himachal Pradesh, Makar Sankranti is also celebrated with a community feast. Many communities organize a community feast where people come together to celebrate the festival and share a meal. This is a great opportunity for people to come together and bond with each other, and to celebrate the festival in a spirit of unity and harmony.
Offering prayers is also an important tradition associated with Makar Sankranti. People visit temples and other religious places to offer prayers and seek blessings from the gods and goddesses. The most popular temples to visit during Makar Sankranti include the Naina Devi Temple in Bilaspur, the Jwala Ji Temple in Kangra, and the Bajreshwari Devi Temple in Kangra.
In Himachal Pradesh, many cities and towns also organize kite festivals to celebrate Makar Sankranti. These festivals attract people from all over the state, and feature kite-flying competitions, music, and other cultural activities. The most popular kite festivals in Himachal Pradesh include the Kite Festival in Solan, the Kite Festival in Mandi, and the Kite Festival in Bilaspur.
Wearing traditional clothes is also an important tradition associated with Makar Sankranti. People dress in traditional clothes to celebrate the festival and show their respect for the occasion. Men typically wear dhoti-kurta or lungi-kurta, while women wear sarees or salwar-kameez.
In conclusion, Makar Sankranti is a festival that holds a special significance in Himachal Pradesh. It is celebrated with a variety of customs and traditions, including flying kites, making sweet delicacies, taking a dip in holy river.
