A historic Hindu festival called Makar Sankranti is observed in India and Nepal to commemorate the sun’s entry into the Capricorn zodiac sign. Every year on January 14th, it commemorates the conclusion of the winter solstice. People fly kites, share sweets, and participate in religious work as part of the event, which is celebrated with tremendous devotion and love. People who celebrate the occasion are said to experience luck and prosperity as a result.
Makar Sankranti celebrations focus on kite flying, sweet exchanges, religious rites, and getting together with loved ones. Making unique delicacies, playing age-old games, and starting bonfires are other activities. Additionally, people engage in humanitarian endeavors like providing food and clothing to the less fortunate.
Taking bath in Holy rivers in Makar Sankranti
Some well-known locations in India for Makar Sankranti for taking baths include:
- Ganga Sagar, West Bengal (Also Read Place near Kolkata)
- Rajasthan’s Pushkar
- Uttarakhand’s Haridwar
- Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain
- The Kumbh Mela (held at different locations)
In addition, there are many rivers Ganga, Yamuna, Narmada and Godavari, Brahmaputra, Kaveri, Krishna and Sindhu, that attract people to take bath in Makar Sankranti. Also, it is typical for individuals to take a bath in a pond or lake that is revered, or in a man-made building like a kund (stepwell) or tank (reservoir). Additionally, many temples offer bathing ponds or tanks for visitors to use. On Makar Sankranti, bathing is practiced as a way to purify oneself and ask the gods for their blessings.
The beginning of longer days and the sun’s entry into the Capricorn (Makar) zodiac sign are both marked by Makar Sankranti. It is a season of fresh starts and is seen as a lucky time to carry out religious rites and engage in spiritual pursuits.
Reasons for Taking Bath in Holy Rivers in India in Makar Sankranti
On this day, bathing in a sacred river is thought to be especially auspicious since it is thought to cleanse the body and mind and bring benefits from the gods. On Makar Sankranti, devotees frequently travel to revered rivers like the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the Godavari to take a dip and offer prayers.
Taking Traditional Food in Makar Sankranti
Til laddu, often referred to as til ka laddu or sesame seed laddu, is a well-liked sweet treat that is frequently consumed on January 14th, the Hindu festival of Makar Sankranti. Sesame seeds, jaggery, and ghee are used to make til laddu, which is thought to offer several health advantages. It is a common option during the chilly winter months because it is high in calcium and iron and is said to warm the body.
Another sweet dish that is well-liked during Makar Sankranti is til kut. It is similar to til laddu in composition and processing and is made using sesame seeds, jaggery, and wheat flour.
During Makar Sankranti, chuda, often referred to as poha, is a form of flattened rice that is frequently consumed. Typically, it is combined with almonds, ghee, and jaggery to produce the sweet snack known as chuda ke laddu.
These treats are all customarily connected to Makar Sankranti and are said to bring luck and wealth. They are consumed by plenty of people throughout the festival and are also thought to provide a number of health advantages.
How to make Til Laddu on the Occasion of Makar Sankranti ?
The sweet and wholesome snack known as til laddu, often referred to as sesame seed laddu or til ke ladoo, is traditionally manufactured in India. An easy recipe for preparing til laddu at home is provided below:
Main Ingredients – One-cup of sesame seeds, Two teaspoons ghee and 1 cup jaggery.
Instruction – 1. In a pan, dry roast the sesame seeds until they are golden brown and emit a nutty smell. 2. In a separate pan over medium heat, liquefy the jaggery. 3. Add the roasted sesame seeds to the pan and stir after the jaggery has melted. 4. Add the ghee to the pan and stir the ingredients until they are thoroughly incorporated and smooth. 5. Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool for a while. 6. When the mixture is cool enough to handle, roll it into little balls with your hands. 7. Lay out the til laddu on a plate and let them cool completely before consuming. Enjoy!
Reason for Flying Kites in Makar Sankranti
During Makar Sankranti, kite flying is a common pastime. The kites are thought to represent happiness and freedom, and flying one is said to bring good fortune. The event also serves as a method to mark the passing of the winter solstice and the start of longer days.
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