Makar Sankranti: 5 Interesting Facts About a Gratitude and Renewal Festival| The Style. World

Makar Sankranti: 5 Interesting Facts About a Gratitude and Renewal Festival| The Style. World

Makar Sankranti, a colourful festival in India, is celebrated on January 14th or 15th, symbolising the end of winter and the start of a new year. It’s a time for offering thanks, making new starts, and having joyful reunions. But, aside from the festivities, Makar Sankranti has a few interesting facts to share. Let’s take a look at 5 of them: A Solar Spectacle A celestial phenomenon is at the centre of Makar Sankranti. It corresponds with the sun’s entry into Makar (Capricorn) rashi, signalling the conclusion of the sun’s southbound voyage and the start of its northward trek. This shift heralds the progressive lengthening of days and the arrival of spring, which brings warmth and hope.   pinterest A Rich Tapestry of Traditions Though the soul of Makar Sankranti remains one, its expressions echo the rich tapestry of India, weaving a symphony of tradition, faith, and joyous abandon. From the sun-kissed coastlines of Tamil Nadu to the vibrant streets of Punjab. Including Makara Sankranti in Kerala, Magh Bihu in Assam, Maghi Saaji in Himachal Pradesh, Maghi Sangrand in Punjab, Maghi Sangrand or Uttarayanain Jammu, Sakrat in Haryana, Sakraat in Rajasthan, Sukarat in central India, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayana in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, Ghughuti in Uttarakhand, Dahi Chura in Bihar, Mak Surya (Hindu solar deity) is worshiped along with Vishnu and goddess Lakshmi on Makar Sankranti throughout India. The Atlantic, HungryForever, Flickr, helankavacations, Bunts Network, Dipti suryawanshhi A Sweet Symbology The stars of the Makar Sankranti culinary presentation are sesame seeds and jaggery (gur). Sweet sweets such as tilkut, revdi, and chikki are plentiful, representing auspiciousness and the hope for a good year. The phrase “Til gul ghya, god god bola” (“Take sesame and jaggery, speak sweet words”) is exchanged to represent forgiveness and the burying of old grudges. justhomemade A Tribute to Agriculture Makar Sankranti falls during harvest season, and thankfulness for the abundance of the land is an important aspect of the celebrations. Farmers pray to Surya, the solar deity who nurtures crops and supports life. Cattle are ornamented and revered in some areas, recognising their importance in agriculture. pinterest A Celebration of New Beginnings Makar Sankranti marks the beginning of the auspicious Uttarayana season, which is thought to bring good luck and fortune. People wear new clothes, clean their homes, and start new businesses in the hopes of ushering in a new and fruitful year. AstroVed So, this Makar Sankranti, embrace the festival’s spirit, step into the warmth of the sun’s northward journey, and celebrate the joy of new beginnings with your loved ones!   By: Thushitha M

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 Makar Sankranti: Festive Dress Code Across India| The Style. World

Makar Sankranti: Festive Dress Code Across India| The Style. World

Makar Sankranti, celebrated on 14th/15th January is a lively festive symbolizing the Sun’s northward voyage and the end of winter, is widely observed in India. While the festival’s essence stays unchanged, the dress code takes on a fascinatingly expanded character, representing the rich tapestry of regional traditions. Let’s take a style voyage across India to discover the distinct colors of Makar Sankranti. North Punjab In Punjab, Makar Sankranti is celebrated with a bonfire named Lohri. Lohri commemorates the end of winter and is a traditional celebration of the sun’s migration to the Northern Hemisphere by people in India’s northern area. Men dress in crimson, green, and ochre lungis and kurtas, while women look stunning in Patiala suits adorned with intricate phulkari embroidery. Navneet Bhangra Himachal Pradesh In some regions of Himachal Pradesh, the day is known as Magha Saaji, although it is also known as Magha Ra Saza, this month is dedicated to Agni Devta devotion. In villages of Himachal, Lohri night is part of Maghi celebrations and is referred to as Masant. The Kullu Valley comes alive with color as women wear dazzling chhadis (shawls) and kurtas while men wear traditional kullus (caps) and pattu kurtas. International Business Times India South Tamil Nadu Pongal is a celebration dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, and coincides with Makar Sankranti, a harvest festival celebrated across India under several regional names. The three days of the Pongal festival are known as Bhogi Pongal, Surya Pongal, and Mattu Pongal. Some Tamils commemorate Kanum Pongal on the fourth day of Pongal. Ladies shimmer in gold, green, and red silk sarees, accessorized with gold jewelry. Men wear white mundus and kurtas. Southindiafashion.com Kerala Makara vilakku is an annual celebration celebrated on Makara Sankranti at the Sabarimala shrine in Kerala, India. The event features the Thiruvabharanam procession and a congregation at Sabarimala’s hill shrine. women are dressed in kasavu sarees delicately woven with gold threads and traditional set mundu (blouse). The males dress in ivory and cream kurtas and mundus. Sreejith S East West Bengal Poush Sankranti in West Bengal, after the Bengali month in which it falls. In Bengal, Makar Sankranti is a riot of colors. Women wear vibrant silk or cotton saris with floral motifs and zari borders. Dhotis and kurtas in white, blue, and green are worn by men. Odisha In Odisha, the festivities begin with special pujas dedicated to Lord Surya. Odia women celebrate Makar Sankranti in sambalpuri sarees with intricate geometric patterns and vibrant colors. Men wear dhotis and kurtas in earthy tones such as brown and beige. হ-য-ব-র-ল’ Gujarat In Gujurat Makar Sankranti is observed as Uttarayana, which is known as the day of a new, good, healthy, and prosperous beginning. The first day of Sankranti is called Uttarayan, and the next day is called Vasi Uttarayan or stale Uttarayana. During Makar Sankranti, the skies of Gujarat, like the rest of India, become a canvas for multicolored kites. Gujarati women dress up for Makar Sankranti in ghagra choli costumes with bright skirts and embroidered blouses. Men dress in white and cream dhotis and kurtas. This is just a small sample of the kaleidoscope of hues by The Style. World that cover India’s Makar Sankranti landscape. The event is a lovely reminder of the complex cultural tapestry that runs through the country, where tradition and modernity coexist to produce a genuinely unique celebration. Happy Makar Sankranti! By: Thushitha M

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